Taste the Holiday Spirit at Bayview Thriftway on Saturday

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By Mary Ellen Psaltis

taste holiday spirit
Demos at Bayview’s Taste the Holiday Spirit are a great way to try something new.

Need any help with your your holiday happiness quotient? Add a measure of joy, do yourself a favor and take time from your (likely) over-scheduled days to stop at Bayview Thriftway this Saturday, December 13. The essence of the season will be in full swing with Taste the Holiday Spirit. Imagine over fifty vendors tucked into every inch of open floor space and passing out samples of their favorite wares. The festivities are food-filled, family-friendly and it’s free.

Carol Lundblad, Bayview’s Store Director, has been gearing up with all her department heads to pull together a memorable event that celebrates the best of the season. This year there is a focus on Painted Hill’s prime rib and Bayview’s world famous homemade crab cakes. Lundblad, who has made it her personal mission to do extensive research on as many cakes as she could, is convinced that theirs are “definitely the best.” On Saturday you will be able to find out for yourself.

When you arrive, stop outside to have a cup of hot cider and find out what roasted chestnuts are all about. As you step inside, you will be greeted by an elf passing out special maps. You might be tempted by the cooking chanterelles, but remember your assignment is to explore the store and have your map stamped at the designated locations. Well, I guess you can taste along the way. When your passport is fully stamped, turn it in to be entered in the prize drawing. One lucky winner will take home a snowboard. There will be prize baskets of housewares and deli items, too.

taste holiday spirit
Visit each section of the store to try different samples and get your passport stamped.

Do you like samples as much as I do? I get excited to taste something new. If I like it, I can buy it and if I don’t, well, now I know why. You’ll be enticed by more vendors than I will name now, but here are a few.  Tillen Farms’ Bada Bing Cherries – Lundblad almost swooned when she talked about them. It’s the perfect gift for someone in my life. How about Cyrus O’Leary Pies? Or our nearby Domina Dairy? You’ll find savories and sweets, toppings, seasonings and much more.

Every forty-five minutes, the Bayview School of Cooking will present mini-cooking demos. These are free, too, and gift certificates for future classes will be available for purchase.

The annual Taste the Holiday Spirit remains popular with the employees. They will enjoy the added interaction with their customers. Activities will be non-stop from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lundblad said that many vendors ask her to be part of the event. I think they are all having fun, too.

Lundblad, who has thoroughly appreciated her employment with the Stormans family for nearly 25 years, promises that, “A good time will be had by all.” Of course, you have to show up to experience the tastes and smells of the holiday season. Your ears will be treated, too, by carolers from a local high school. Did I mention that various wines would be on sale during the event?

When you visit Taste the Holiday Spirit, surely, you will run into friends. Now isn’t that the heart of the holidays? Spending time with people you like, nibbling on great food and celebrating life right here in Thurston County. Enjoy!

taste holiday spirit
A sample of fudge can be a delicious way to finish off the Taste of Holiday Spirit event at Bayview Thriftway.

Taste the Holiday Spirit

Saturday, December 13 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Bayview Thriftway

516 – 4th Ave West in downtown Olympia

 

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