It was only a matter of time before Hajni Joslyn’s home off Mandus-Olson Road became a venue for the annual Christmas in the Country tour.
After all, she’s a good friend of the event’s founder, Sharon Soames, and she caught the arts and crafts bug many years ago. Plus, the Joslyns’ home and its surrounding acreage are special enough to have also been on the island’s Garden Tour.
“The tour used to be more about private homes and I like the idea of making sure it’s still a country homes event,” Joslyn said. “So I jumped when she offered to have it here.”
There’s no doubt about that. The deer in the area seem to think the grounds belong to them, not to the Joslyns, who have lived there for 24 years.
It’s the type of venue Soames had in mind when she started the event 16 years ago. Turnover has been minimal, but Soames always welcomes new venues and artists so the three-day event doesn’t get stale.
“I’m always looking for changes, whether its a fresh place to discover or new products offered by a new artist,” Soames said. Besides Hajni’s studio, another new venue is the Island Music Center, which will showcase its students during the tour.
Soames said the event keeps expanding, but she tries to limit the number of artists to between 75 and 90. About a fourth of the artists live on Bainbridge, about half are from Kitsap County and the rest are mostly from Western Washington.
Soames said the event runs like a “well-oiled machine” these days, and she still enjoys doing it.
“The emphasis has always been on putting on an event that is fun and affordable,” she said. “We have vendors this year from between 13 and 70 years old, so it’s still a great community event.”
Venues for Annual Christmas in the Country: Dec. 4-6
Lynwood Commons, 4779 Lynwood Center Road, 892-2053
Countryman Stables, 5349 McDonald NE, 842-1408
Hajnalka’s Studio, 8842 Mandus-Olson Road, 842-2828
Sweetlife Farm, 9631 Summerhill Lane, 842-6577
Island Music Center, 10598 Valley Road, 780-6911
Hazel Creek Farm, 8903 NE Koura Road, 780-1928
Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit www.christmasinthecountry.info or call 842-6883 for more details.
