By MICHELLE ADAMS / Community Columnist
After the Montevallo Christmas parade Thursday, November 20, follow Santa to Montevallo Elementary School for the annual Christmas Bazaar to find a warm seat, a delicious treat and a delightful gift.
This annual fundraiser, sponsored by the MES PTO, gives residents the opportunity to shop locally with more than 40 craft and clothing vendors as well as licensed business vendors representing home decor, kitchen supplies and jewelry companies.  Santa will be present, and families will be able to take pictures with him and Mrs. Claus.
“The Bazaar was started back in the ‘80s, but languished and disappeared in the ‘90s,” PTO co-president Fran Butterworth said. “My co-president, Jennifer Bowman, and I brought the Bazaar back last year as another way to raise awareness for our school and provide needed resources for the school.”
In addition to pictures with Santa, patrons can participate in a silent auction and a cake walk.
“The Christmas Bazaar is a wonderful event, not only for our school, but for our community,” MES Principal Dr. Allison Campbell said. “We really believe that it is crucial to build community and bring our people together, and what better time for an opportunity to do so than Christmas. The MES PTO is absolutely phenomenal. They work incredibly hard and are truly invested in our school and our students. They approach each event with excellence and the Bazaar this year will be no different.”
Join the community of Montevallo as they prepare for the holiday season by shopping at the Christmas Bazaar from 6-8:30 p.m. tomorrow.