Handmade soaps, lotions, oils, jewelry, gift baskets, candles, holiday decorations (to name a few) and a slew of sweet holiday treats are on sale at the Highland Park Holiday Bazaar today.

The bazaar brings vendors from as far as Federal Way to the elementary school gym to sell their wares just in time for the holiday shopping crunch. There is also a raffle for prizes donated by local businesses and bazaar vendors.

Christie Sjostrom, a parent of a Highland Elementary student and PTA member, came up with the idea for the bazaar three years ago and has been the chair for the event ever since.

“I really love bazaars, so I just make the school have one,” she joked.

Proceeds from the bake sale, raffle tickets and vendor space all go towards the PTA general fund, Sjostrom said.

Vendors were charged $15 for half a table and $25 for full table.

“We try to keep it a little bit of money because the economy is bad and I want (the vendors) to come, and I want people to come and buy from them so they make money,” Sjostrom said.

“We have great vendors and a huge raffle,” she added. “It’s just something fun to come and do your shopping at, and I’ve already scoped out what I’m getting for Christmas.”