Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society gearing up for holiday boutique

This year, the annual event will happen in a new location

By Marlena Chavira-Medford

Staff Writer

Keeping with a longstanding Solana Beach tradition, the Civic and Historical Society will host its holiday boutique on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — only this year, the annual event will happen at a new location: the La Colonia Community Center, 715 Stevens.

The sale will feature a variety of crafts, from artsy aprons to festive re-useable gift bags to holiday knick-knacks to collectible antique plates, which come loaded with fresh- baked goodies. The new venue also means there will be more display space for the crafts, more parking space, and a new area where shoppers can sit and enjoy coffee and dessert if they need a break.

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, about half a dozen group members gathered at a home on Rios Avenue. They sat around a table, as they have done throughout the year, working to create the handmade arts and crafts, which will be sold at the holiday bazaar to help raise money for the new Fletcher Cove Community Center. None of them had to be there. But all of them wanted to be there. They all share a deep desire to serve the community of Solana Beach, they said. It’s what brought them out that Tuesday afternoon, and it’s what keeps them coming out to serve, time and time again.

“Whether we’re pulling weeds down on the rail trail or volunteering at some event, we’re truly devoted to this community,” said member Judy Hegenauer of the group, which is the oldest community organization in Solana Beach. “We scan the community for gaps in funding or manpower, and then we do our best to fill them. Our neighborhood is full of people who help in many ways, and this is our way of helping. This group is a testament to what people can do when their energy is devoted to the community.”

These handmade crafts are just one manifestation of that devotion — and over the past couple years, the holiday crafts have raised about $10,000 for the new Fletcher Cove Community Center. And, in fact, the 120-member group has given about $35,000 toward the new community center over the past two years.

The holiday craft boutique has been happening for more than two decades, and each year it has proven to be a success. The group is hoping for another good turnout this year, said member Mary Jane Boyd.Nancy Byrne works on crafts

“Practice makes perfect, right? So, look at all the years we’ve been practicing. This will be a great happening because we are so focused and excited about raising money to complete the renovation on the Fletcher Cove Community Center.This a real opportunity for the community to do their holiday shopping and give back to the community at the same time.”

For more information about the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society, please visit

solanabeachcivicandhistoricalsociety.org

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Can’t make it to the holiday bazaar? You can still help. Here’s how:

Purchase a copy of “Early Solana Beach” or “La Colonia and Solana Beach” by Solana Beach neighbor Jim Nelson. Each book retails for $20, or you can buy both for $30, and sales proceeds benefit the new Fletcher Cove Community Center.

You can find the books at Solana Beach City Hall, 635 S Highway 101, or Tony’s Jacal, 621 Valley Ave.