Bazaar continues Sunday at Spring Valley Nature Center

Most of the year, the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg is a place for peaceful pursuits like a quiet hike through the woods, bird-watching along the marshes and streams, or just relaxing in the serene atmosphere provided by its 135 acres of fields and forests.

But on Saturday, the nature center took on a decidedly more festive and boisterous air as it played host to the seventh annual Spring Valley Holiday Bazaar, featuring more than 50 vendors from as far away as Michigan and Wisconsin.

The event featured some of the area's best artisans and crafters, selling items like holiday decorations, gourmet foods, home accessories, beeswax lip balm, jewelry and holiday treats like pure honey.

"It creates a really family friendly event," said Donna Jonson, president of the nature center. "It brings a lot of awareness to the nature center."

The free event, which continues Sunday, is sponsored by the Spring Valley Nature Club and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with proceeds going back to Spring Valley Nature Center.