EUROPE
Photo courtesy of Ramstein 86 FSS

Photo courtesy of Ramstein 86 FSS ()

The world’s largest DoD bazaar is returning to Ramstein Air Base from September 12 ­to 15. This year, the bazaar will host more than 120 merchandise vendors setting up shop in two hangars and a giant tent. The Bazaar is an 86th Force Support Squadron event that is produced by the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club (ROSC).

As in years past, the Bazaar will be filled with one-of-a-kind items like pottery, antiques, rugs, furniture, wine, food specialties, and more. Christmas may still be a few months away, but this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on unique gifts for your family and friends back home with plenty of time to ship them.

You can fuel your shopping fun with a variety of tempting morsels from the 29 different food vendors at the bazaar. Private organizations and booster clubs from the KMC offer delicious food right on the flight line. From the ever popular lumpia and pancit to street tacos, empanadas, or fresh squeezed lemonade, there is something for every palate. These vendors will only be accepting cash so bring US dollars to save yourself from standing in line at the ATM.

Everyone is welcome to visit the Bazaar but only DoD and NATO ID card holders with SOFA status can make purchases. If you’re bringing small children, be advised that Thursday and Friday are stroller days; on Saturday and Sunday, you will be asked to leave your strollers outside. All sales are in US dollars and can be made with cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard.

The Ramstein Bazaar is open Thursday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 15. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information and to see pictures of what you can expect at this year’s Bazaar, be sure to follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ramsteinbazaar, or check out the Bazaar website at www.ramsteinbazaar.org.

Ramstein Bazaar Gives Back

Most importantly, the bazaar is an opportunity to raise funds for the KMC community. A portion of every sale is collected by the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club with 100% of the proceeds given back to organizations such as local schools, scout troops, base events, scholarships and more. The 2018 Bazaar raised $310,842 which is wholly distributed back to charitable groups and organizations throughout the year.

In addition, food vendors are all operated by various KMC private organizations and booster clubs raising funds for their own community efforts. These groups pay a small space fee and keep 100% of their profits to benefit their group.

For more information about how the Ramstein Bazaar Gives Back please visit https://www.ramsteinbazaar.org/ramstein-bazaar-gives-back or if you would like to inquire about donation requests for an organization go to http://ramsteinosc.org/welfare-requests.

Volunteers Crucial to the Bazaar Success

The Ramstein Bazaar team is still looking for volunteers to coordinate this community fundraising event. The Bazaar would not be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers over the course of 4 days. Volunteers are needed to help with hospitality, finance, hangar, and more.

Anyone who is 16 years or older and a DoD ID card holder is encouraged to sign up as an onsite volunteer. Volunteers are also needed to donate fresh fruit and baked goods.

As a thank you for your support, all volunteers who work at least 4 hours during the Bazaar will receive an invitation to Red Carpet Shopping on the evening of September 11. This is an exciting opportunity to shop the Bazaar’s amazing merchandise before it is open to the public.

To sign up to volunteer visit www.ramsteinbazaar.org and click the “Ways to Help” tab. If you have a group that wants to volunteer together, email the Ramstein Bazaar volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ramsteinbazaar.org.

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