The Ramstein Bazaar, the largest Department of Defense (DoD) bazaar in the world and a beloved tradition in the Kaiserlautern Military Community (KMC), will return for its 61st year with exciting updates designed to strengthen the event and deepen its impact.

Founded in 1964 with just 11 volunteers and 60 vendors in a small base gym, the Ramstein Bazaar now requires nearly a year of planning, hundreds of volunteer hours, and more than 500 helpers each year.

“This event is a massive undertaking, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to bring our community together,” said Laura McLeod, Ramstein Bazaar Chair. The bazaar now has active-duty members and civilians who aren’t ROSC members volunteering in key areas like communications, operations, and food and hospitality.

The newly launched Friends of ROSC program expands the bazaar’s volunteer base beyond the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club, inviting individuals from all backgrounds to serve in areas such as communications, operations, food service and hospitality.

“The red shirts will now represent volunteers from all corners of the KMC,” McLeod explained. “It’s truly a community effort.”

One of those new faces is TSgt Victoria Garza, 24th Intelligence Squadron, who serves as Social Media Lead. “As the social media manager, I’m proud to highlight the incredible teamwork and history behind the bazaar. For many of us stationed overseas, events like this help us feel connected and supported,” she said.

In 2024, the bazaar transitioned from a four-day event to three days to streamline operations and make it more manageable for volunteers. Despite the shorter schedule, in 2024 $211,000 went directly to benefit military families across the KMC through scholarships, youth sports and other KMC programs.

“My favorite part is the scholarships we award to military children and spouses,” McLeod said. “Education opens doors, and even our small donations like a coffee pot for the USO can make a big difference.”

Scholarship recipient Kaleena Sais expressed her gratitude: “This scholarship truly makes a difference. I’m honored to have been chosen.”

For decades, the Ramstein Bazaar has welcomed both loyal returning vendors and exciting new additions. Codruta Custers, owner of R&C Furniture and a 21-year participant, said, “It’s a special opportunity to connect with U.S. military families and help them feel at home wherever they are in the world.”

“We love seeing returning vendors year after year, but we’re also excited to welcome new ones,” McLeod said. “It keeps things fresh and ensures the bazaar’s continued success for years to come.”

The Ramstein Bazaar is an 86th Force Support Squadron event proudly produced by the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club (ROSC) and Friends of ROSC. Visitors can browse unique European wares, enjoy global cuisine at the food court, and support local programs simply by attending—or by volunteering.

“If you have four hours to spare, join us,” McLeod encouraged.

“You’ll make a difference, meet new people, and be part of history.”

— Laura McLeod

Event Information:

• Dates: September 12-14, 2025

• Location: Ramstein Air Base

• More info & volunteer sign-up: www.ramsteinbazaar.org/volunteer

• Follow us: Facebook & Instagram @RamsteinBazaar

Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense. 

Spouses

Kaiserslautern Military Community (KMC)

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