By Hannah Rivers
Dec. 2, 2016
Thanksgiving is officially over and December is almost upon us. Fall decorations are coming down as the temperature begins to drop out of the realm of summer-like weather. Leaves are falling, rain is falling and before we know it snow will be falling, too. It is safe to say that the holiday season is in full swing.
With the dawn of winter comes many things: sweaters and iced-over windows, hot chocolate and cut out snowflakes, sledding, snowball fights and Netflix marathons spent curled up under layers of blankets. But best of all is the abundance of holiday gatherings. Parties with family, parties with friends, parties with coworkers, parties with the community. Sometimes there is a specific purpose for having a gathering, but the best reason is just to bring everyone together. And that is exactly what Bodhi Imports is trying to do at their holiday party.
Hosted at Bodhi Imports, 1645 S. 17th St., the Bodhi Holiday Fest will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. to bring together the Bodhi community and celebrate — all while promoting the store and providing customers with new products and ideas.
There will be a plethora of activities, including chakra reads by Lisa Maria, henna by Amanda and a performance by belly dancing troupe Bellajhara. Also available will be sample products by Holistically Grateful — a new herbal body care line that’s produced locally. Holistically Grateful makes deodorant, chapstick, magnesium creams and healing creams. Chandra will be handing out her products, including a personal favorite of those at Bodhi Imports, Dream Cream.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, the first 20 people that come in the door will receive a mystery coupon, which will be for anywhere from 15 to 25 percent off. There will also be a raffle, with all of the proceeds going to charity. And for sustenance, Bodhi will provide wine and refreshments.
This isn’t going to be the first holiday gathering that Bodhi has had. They have been hosting parties such as this one for years and years. For a while, they even had First Friday events. The name of the holiday fest may change, but the intention has always been the same: to bring the community together.
“I can’t tell you how many friendships have started between our customers at these gatherings,” said Laura Spencer, assistant manager at Bodhi Imports and organizer of the event.
According to Spencer, Bodhi hosts events like these about every three months. Usually they have some form of entertainment (like the belly dancing), as well as henna and a reading such as chakra or tarot. And, most importantly, wine and snacks. When choosing which activities are going to be present at the event, Spencer tries to select ones that will appeal to everyone. The employees at Bodhi Imports want their customers to have a good time, but they also want them to feel relaxed.
“Bodhi has a relaxing vibe and many come here to unwind and recharge,” said Spencer.
In its 22nd year, Bodhi Imports had two owners before the current ones took over the shop 12 years ago. And while the relaxing atmosphere has remained largely the same, the store is always changing.
“You never know what you’ll find here, be it unique merchandise, a new outlook, information you never knew you needed, or a friend,” Spencer said.
Anyone and everyone can attend the holiday fest. It is an event for all types and all ages of people. As the Facebook event page says, “Come mingle with your Bodhi tribe!” And while Bodhi Imports is a safe place where everyone is welcomed, there are some objectives that attendees are encouraged to have.
“We are trying to attract anyone that wants to have a good time and meet new people, as well as expand their minds,” said Spencer
Find out more information on the Bodhi Holiday Fest Facebook event page.
Hannah Rivers is a tireless KZUM intern.
