The annual Ella White Elementary School PTO Christmas Bazaar offered people Christmas gift ideas from more than 70 arts and crafts vendors selling everything from decorations to household items to candy and baked goods.

Organizers held the event at the high school because it offered space for the size of the crowds that attend the bazaar.

Santa and Mrs.Claus made an appearance to visit with families and pose for photos.

Marie Lewendowski said it was her first time at the event and she was impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the vendors. She said she purchased a themed Christmas wreath and some decorations for her Christmas tree.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Kendall MacArthur visits with Santa while Mrs. Claus looks on. The happy couple made a stop at the annual Ella White Elementary School PTO Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar was held at Alpena High School on Saturday.

“It is almost Christmas overload and a little overwhelming,” she said. “If I’m not careful, I’m going to go broke, because there is so much I could easily take home with me.”

Before entering the bazaar, people often were forced to park on side roads because the large parking lot was full.

Gerald Hollis said he comes to Alpena each holiday season specifically for the bazaar. He said his wife, Doreen, always drives from Cheboygan to browse the Christmas crafts and to begin to check items off their Christmas shopping list.

“Anything you could possibly want is pretty much here under one roof, and we always find the perfect gifts, especially for my aunts and grandma,” he said. “We grab a bite to eat and then do more shopping and just enjoy the day here. We don’t make it this way very often, but it really is great.”

Santa had his share of admirers and kids lined up with their parents to spend a moment with Jolly ol’ St. Nick and his bride to let them know they were well-behaved this year and to give them some Christmas gift suggestions.

Julie Hampton said it is always a thrill for the kids to chat with Santa and get a photo with him. She said it might be a tough sell convincing Mr. Claus that they were good kids this year.

“What’s not to love about Santa Claus?” Hampton said. “Maybe I should spill the beans on how naughty they really were. I’m joking. The kids are pretty good, and I think Santa will be happy and surprise them on Christmas.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.