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How Bazaar; Event Boosts Community Radio Station

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

People shop for books, albums, DVD's, videos and cassettes during the 11th annual WMNF 88.5 FM Holiday Bazaar at the Cuban Club Saturday, Dec. 13 in Ybor City.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS | South Shore News & Tribune

Published: December 13, 2008

Tampa - Instead of braving crowded malls or hoping their online orders arrive in time, many people did their holiday shopping today in support of an area radio station.

Community-supported WMNF, 88.5 FM, hosted its 11th annual Holiday Bazaar at Ybor City's Cuban Club.

"This is how we make our money, with these events," said Macy Kear, a volunteer from Sarasota. "We have a lot of loyal 'MNFers and they're the ones that keep us going year after year."

Thousands of books, records and movies were up for grabs; some shoppers arrived well before the 10 a.m. start.

"People who donated money to the station were allowed to go in half an hour early, but we had some people lined up as early as 8:45 a.m.," volunteer Greg Chubboy said.

The bazaar began as a sale of donated records and books, but in the past three years has expanded to include arts and crafts, live music and food.

"It is zany and crazy and just plain cool," said Carrie Core, volunteer and community outreach coordinator. "It's a place where old hippies gather with young hipsters and everything in between.

"It's really grown into a major fundraiser for us the last couple of years."

There was a storytelling session this year, as well as musical performances from area artists in the Cuban Club's outdoor band shell.

Core estimated about 2,000 people attended, plus the 60 volunteers.

Mercedes Skelton, interim station manager, said the goal was to recoup the event's $17,000 budget.

"Of course, we'd love to make some money for the station," Skelton said. "We're doing well and people really seem to be enjoying themselves."

Sam Esser of Tampa has attended the event the past few years and brought his own record player this time.

"I just pull anything that sounds interesting or odd and give it a shot," Esser said. "I've gotten some amazing stuff here over the years."

Bob and Martha McCracken of Riverview were first-time visitors.

"We've bought a stack of books and DVDs; it's definitely different and very interesting," Bob McCracken said.

Byron Howes and his wife, Nola, showed their wares — freeform and geometric wearable art — and enjoyed the sunshine and the bazaar's likeminded participants.

"We did this event last year, and we're not really expecting to do as well because of the economy," Howes said. "But there's a lot of positive energy here and I think it's going to be a good day."

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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