Carson seniors go all out for Christmas fair

The tree was up, the stockings hung, and the chili hot for Carson City Senior Citizen Center's 10th-annual Santa Village Christmas Bazaar this weekend.

"Everything is hand made at home, from scratch," Iona Biggs, one of the crafters said as she sat before an array of Christmas ornaments, and beautifully-decorated gift tags.

Items were made by seniors that consign their work at the Center's gift shop, and the room was lined with tables full of gifts just like grandma used to make: everything from hand-crocheted pot holders to hand-knit slippers, mittens and hats.

One table held a collection of intricately-woven pine needle baskets, and for the younger set, the seniors had made a variety of quilts, knit jackets, and a hand-made, decorated rocking chair.

And those with a craving for home-made treats wouldn't go away disappointed: cakes, cookies and fudge were there for the taking.

To round the event out Gabe Zampanti, a retired musician who played "all the clubs" in Las Vegas crooned soft, easy melodies as he played his keyboard.

Proceeds from the event go to fund the Meals on Wheels program, which provides meals for home-bound seniors locally.

A private, non-profit organization, the Center offers a broad array of services for seniors, everything from bus trips and social events to tax, Social Security, Medicare, and legal counseling.