COBDEN - On Wednesday afternoon, Nina Lofton and Judy and Will Travelstead were busy prepar-ing for Union County Historical and Genealogy Society's seventh annual Christmas Bazaar.

The bazaar opens Saturday and continues Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 5 and 12. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The bazaar is at 117 S. Appleknocker next to Union County Museum.

Hundreds of new, gently used, upscale and collectible holiday related items and gifts will be available for sale at half or less than the average retail price. The shop is restocked with additional merchandise each weekend.

In the museum, Lofton was setting up Christmas trees for sale. "This one is going to take up a lot of space," she said of the 9-foot tree donated by Congregational Church.

Lofton is the branch manager of U.S. Bank in Cobden. She said the bank gives volunteer days to em-ployees to help them volunteer for worthy causes.

Judy Travelstead said the bazaar is the primary fundraiser for Union County Museum and supports the Historical Society's programs and exhibits, raising a significant portion of the group's operating budget.

"This way we don't have to do a lot of little fundraisers," she said. "We're also giving back to the community."

The group also gets funding for Union County tourism fund, proceeds from the General Store and pri-vate donations.

Travelstead said the bazaar draws people from all over Southern Illinios, western Kentucky, southeast Missouri and the St. Louis area. The event has become a tradition for many shoppers.

"I bought my grandson his first snowglobe here," Lofton said.

"It's nice to provide quality items at a reduced price," Travelstead added.

The bazaar will include dinnerware, poinsettias, wreaths, Christmas trees, including a tree made of pine cones, yard ornaments, stockings, a reindeer and sleigh, Precious Moments figurines and ornaments, stemware, new lights, Boyd's bears and stuffed animals, Lenox bowl, Santas, snowmen, nativities, Department 56 items for Christmas village, Gorham and Mikasa crystal, a Christmas chest set with wooden board, a singing Bing Crosby doll, a large singing Santa, ornaments (many still in the original packages), candles, garland, fiber optic and animated decorations, and much more.

The sale takes quite a few volunteers to pull off. Many help with setup each week, as well as the weekend sales. Board members Beverly Anderson and Mariana Riley did the window displays.

For more information, call 618-893-2567 or the museum at 618-893-2865.