Fort Hood Spouses’ Club hosts 36th annual Holiday Bazaar

Sara Escobar
Evening Star

The Fort Hood Spouses’ Club hosted its 36th annual Holiday Bazaar Saturday and Sunday at the Killeen Conference and Civic Center, a tradition that is normally held the first weekend after Veterans Day. Over 500 citizens attended the bazaar, which featured 100 local vendors and six food trucks. The annual event was open to the public and continued throughout the weekend, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Pre-sale tickets were $5, or $6 at the door, while kids aged 12 and under got in free. 
The Holiday Bazaar is the Spouses’ Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year and helps to give back to not only Fort Hood, but the surrounding communities as well. In its 36 years, the craft fair has moved from smaller locations like the old Officer’s Club to now the Killeen Conference and Civic Center. which gives civilians the chance to attend. 
Stacy Clady, co-chairwoman and President of the FHSC, told the press the event kicks off the holiday season for many in the community. “It’s our first and biggest fundraiser of the year,” she said. “All of the profits from this event goes back to the community through our grant outreach program. This event means community and family, both with the attendees, the volunteers, the vendors, and it’s really about giving back.” The bazaar hosted a variety of vendors, which sold everything from books to clothing and art. A majority of the crafts were Christmas items and hand-made like wreaths and crafted décor.
Last year, FHSC president Clady was joined by Killeen Mayor Jose Segarra, Lt. Col. Gary Beard, 1-44 Air and Missle Defense Battalion commander, and Santa Claus to cut a ceremonial ribbon to kick start the weekend-long craft fair.
The Fort Hood Spouses’ Club provides opportunities of leadership, friendship, service, and support to its members and the Fort Hood community. The purpose of the FHSC is to bring together members of kindred interest in order that they may be afforded greater opportunity for charitable works, sociability, participation in such activities and other projects. Its members look forward to social and cultural events, and are committed to our charitable endeavors and develop friendships that reach far beyond Fort Hood. 
Clady described the Fort Hood Spouses Club as a close-knit community, which are like a Family to each other with the purpose of giving back whether it’s to Fort Hood or the surrounding cities.
“It’s just about military spouses coming together to support each other,” Clady said. “And to have fun, and to support the community that has been so great to support us.”