The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
Ann Pryor has a conversation with a friend during the Annual Lincoln Christmas Bazaar Dec. 7.
Lincoln vendors Richard and Barb Debick (seated) and Judy Johnson talk to a shopper.
A handmade stocking cap by Emily Rundell features a design showing classic Star Wars stormtrooper helmets.
Powell Swanser tells visitors about his book "John Colter, Young Patriot," at the annual Lincoln Christmas Bazaar. Swanser, a descendant of the legendary mountain man, fulfilled a promise to his Grandmother Colter by writing the book, which explores Colter's youth. A sculptor and bladesmith by trade, Swanser has earned a reputation for his life-like sculptures of fish and turtles. Over his career he's won numerous awards and has created work for a number of celebrities including Harrison Ford, Carlos Santana and President George H.W. Bush.
The pair of detailed Powell Swanser sculptures on display at the bazaar are carved from black walnut, with fins and water accents made of glass. Swanser has also created a limited run of re-creations of Colter's two knives and tomahawk. He said a set of his blades will be featured in "Colter's Run: The Movie," an upcoming film about Colter's fabled escape from the Blackfeet in 1809.
The annual Lincoln Christmas bazaar did a brisk business Saturday, Dec. 7, with a constant flow of customers in and out throughout the day.
"I've been busy," said Pryor, who had a hit with one of her products. "I've got two fruitcakes left and that's all."
Pryor, who has been organizing and coordinating the Christmas Bazaar for the past 30 years, said this is her last year doing so.
"I don't know how many times I was going to retire," she said, adding that at 80 years old, it's time to hand it over to someone younger.
Pryor said she'll be handing the reins over next year to Jill Sallin, the daughter of Jesse Sallin. Jesse ran the Bazaar herself before handing it off to Pryor.
The annual event isn't something Pryor intends to abandon, however.
"I love seeing the people from the town, visiting with them," she said. "This is the one time of year I get to see people I haven't seen. That's probably my favorite thing about it."
"I'll probably still rent a booth," she said.
Pryor said, in addition to all the other things she does, her biggest challenge over the past 30 years has been trying to make sure there are enough vendors every year. As far as the vendors themselves, she hasn't seen many changes in what they have had on offer over the years, since the focus has always been on handmade items.
"It's just kind of constant every year," she said. "Some years you have more vendors than others. I think everybody's doing good this year.
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