Holiday markets provide local, bizarre shopping opportunities

Vendor Aaron Dechant, of Topeka, left, discusses the jewelry he is selling with Lawrence residents Sarah Bodle, center, and Angela Candela on Friday at the Bizarre Bazaar, 940 New Hampshire St.

Other area sales Saturday

• Lawrence Fair Trade Holiday Market, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ecumenical Campus Ministries, 1204 Oread Ave.

• Holiday Art Sale, 9 a.m. to noon, Lumberyard Arts Center, 718 High St., Baldwin City

Duct tape mustaches, holy carp and busty, well, busts: These are some of the items for sale at Lawrence’s aptly named Bizarre Bazaar.

Organizers expect more than 30,000 people to attend the two-day art show at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., that features about 140 vendors selling unique and often quirky homemade wares.

“It’s been good,” said Aaron Dechant, who is selling earrings and other jewelry at the Bizarre Bazaar. “There’s a really nice crowd, and everyone’s been good to talk to. We have been doing well.”

Event organizer Marsene Feldt said the art show serves as a boon for many local artists.

“It’s been crazy busy before,” she said. “It’s the best arts and crafts show of the year.”

For some, like Feldt’s 15-year-old son, Harrison, it might be a way to make a little cash. He was selling homemade duct tape mustaches for “No-Shave” November.

Others, however, look to give back with their wares.

Yvonne Channel spent Friday evening selling decorated busts of breasts. She then donates all of her profits to those affected by cancer.

“We pick an individual we know and give them most of the money,” she said. “It’s nice to give them a bit of money to play with.”

For those looking to shop, the event just serves as a good way to get out-of-the-box items.

“I got a couple of Christmas items,” Laura Burton, of Lawrence, said. “You can buy things here you can’t get anywhere else.”

This is the 24th year of the Bizarre Bazaar.

The event continues today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Arts Center.