Lady Cooke (centre), patron of International Proxy Parents (IPP), and Lawayne Kolbusch, president of the IPP (left), admire a striking Russian costume worn by Olga Lebedeva, wife of the Russian Ambassador, at the IPP Bazaar, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, on November 12. Russia was one of 20 countries selling craft and food to support the IPP's scholarship and child support programmes. The bazaar featured entertainment from Japan, Cuba and Jamaica. - CONTRIBUTED
THE HILTON poolside was transformed into a World Fair on Saturday, November 12, for the International Proxy Parents (IPP) Annual Bazaar.
The 22nd bazaar hosted by the organisation, it was a family affair as many parents took the children to enjoy; and to do a little shopping.
We caught up with president Lawayne Kolbusch as she walked around getting persons to bid in the silent auction.
"We always have about 20 booths every year because we rotate booths. For example, this year, the Russians have a booth for the first time," she explained.
ASSORTMENT OF ITEMS
The bazaar offered an assortment of items. Apart from the traditional foods and drink which Jamaicans have become used to testing, some booths offered literature on their respective countries and regions as well as memorabilia.
The Ecuadorian booth offered rugs and stuffed animals made from llama hair, while their Peruvian neighbours delighted the palate with some chicken potato pie and a sweet, refreshing (albeit alcoholic) beverage called pisco.
On our tour of the bazaar, spotted Argentine Ambassador Gonzalo Fernandez with a sandwich called choripan which is a spicy barbecue sausage snack. Marvellous!
"We also have empanadas (a type of taco) but this is what the people have been enjoying," he said between bites. The Germans, known for their beer had a few selections to enjoy, but also some lovely dolls which would make any little girl happy. The French went a-baking and provided some interesting creations including a bacon quiche which seemed to sit well with the guests.
The Japanese chicken teriyaki was eagerly devoured, the Canadian booth offered smoked salmon. Another favourite was the Indian samosas and curry meals. Of course all these tasty treats were at a price; after all, this was a fund-raising event.
MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES
To emphasise the myriad of cultures persons were being introduced to, music from the different countries was played at regular intervals with a few performances. As always there was a children's corner which included face painting and games.
Since the IPP is all about providing for the welfare of children, the money generated will fund scholarships. With that in mind, we're sure persons shopped and not just to do their Christmas shopping early, but to help out an indeed worthy cause.
