SEQUIM — The 10th annual Nature Mart will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday at the Dungeness River Audubon Center in Railroad Bridge Park.
Proceeds from Nature Mart and the raffle help support the center at 2151 W. Hendrickson Road.
Selected items already are on sale in the center’s new “Nature Mart Nook,” where buyers also can see the custom table donated for the Nature Mart raffle.
Using boards salvaged from the old Railroad Bridge decking, craftsman Tom Butler created a one-of-a kind, 45-inch-long table.
Raffle tickets for the table are $20 and only 100 will be sold. Tickets are on sale now at the river center.
The winning ticket will be drawn at 4 p.m. Saturday and the winner need not be present.
“Nature Mart shoppers will find a spectacular array of items, many made from natural and/or repurposed materials, again this year,” said co-chair Shirley Anderson, one of the creators of handcrafted gifts. The gifts and ornaments range from useful and/or decorative items, such as scarves and purses made from antique silk, to pet toys and treats.
The river center gift shop also is stocked with many gift items.
New to Nature Mart this year will be the option to order a custom wooden sign for the home, also made and donated by Butler, or to purchase a limited number of boards salvaged from the Railroad Bridge — these are collector’s items.
Again this year, shoppers and visitors will be offered a free cup of hot cider as they’re deciding what Nature Mart activity to do next:
• Make a fresh wreath, purchase a premade wreath or fresh holiday arrangement, or order a fresh flower holiday centerpiece to be picked up at a later date.
• Have pictures taken with some of the river center’s special animals. Although the photo service is free, a $5 donation is suggested and all donations are welcome.
• Stock up on handmade suet feeders or nest boxes for feathered friends, cat toys and mats, or homemade Buddy Biscuits for their dog.
• Sample treats at the Sweet and Savory Bake Sale.
To learn more about upcoming activities and programs, go to www.DungenessRiverCenter.org.
