54th Ramstein Bazaar is now open

by Senior Airman
Joshua Magbanua
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
From left to right, Robin Powell, Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club president; U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Wenckus, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander; Amy Sands, Ramstein Bazaar chair; Maj. Natosha Reed, 86th Force Support Squadron commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Tombley, 86th Force Support Squadron superintendent; open the Ramstein Bazaar with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 12.

The Ramstein Bazaar — a community tradition since 1965, and now hailed as the world’s largest event of its type — is now open!

“We are super excited to renew this annual tradition!” said Amy Sands, 2018 event chair. “We’ve got about 130 vendors from countries around the globe selling unique items like antiques, toys, rugs, wine, and much more.  It’s the perfect time to come out with your family and friends to pick up some treasures to remember your time here in Europe, and maybe do some early Christmas shopping.” 

The Bazaar is one of the most anticipated yearly events on the installation, said Sands, and not just because of the many items on sale.

The Ramstein Bazaar is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“Don’t forget about the food!” said Sands. “Amazing food vendors from nearly 30 private organizations across our community will be selling lumpia, bratwurst, funnel cakes, and fresh squeezed lemonade, to name just a few.”

The Ramstein Bazaar is also important because of what it provides to local organizations.

“Purchases at the Ramstein Bazaar help our community,” said Sands. “Nearly $300,000 was raised last year alone to fund youth scholarships and activities, base events, military organizations, and other worthy community causes.”

It takes a team effort to put together such an impressive event, said Sands.

“This is a wonderful display of teamwork – we know months of planning and countless hours from those across Ramstein and the KMC make this all possible,” said Sands. “We are grateful for all of our wonderful volunteers that make this all happen.”

According to officials, all with base access are welcome to visit the Bazaar, but only DOD and NATO ID card holders with SOFA status can make purchases. All sales are in U.S. dollars and can be made with cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard. With every purchase, you’ll be asked to sign a sheet of paper to ensure that funds go back to the KMC.

The Bazaar is an 86th Force Support Squadron event that is produced by the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses Club. To find out more, or how your organization can benefit from the funds raised, visit www.ramsteinbazaar.org.