​The Alameda Holiday Boutique Turned 41 in 2021

The AHB started back in 1979 at the Veteran's Memorial Building on the corner of Central Ave. and Walnut St. in Alameda. Then, as in now, the entire operation, which covered two floors at the Veteran's Hall, was entirely organized and presented by a small but determined crew of volunteers. 

Following a COVID-necessitated hiatus in 2020, in 2021 the core team of volunteers consist of one returning coordinator and two rookies, with guidance and mentorship provided by long-time chief coordinator Joanne Broadbent. Joanne joined the AHB as a volunteer-coordinator in 2000 and nurtured and coaxed the annual event to its present form and success until retiring from her role with the 2019 event. ​

​The biggest change took place in 2016 when the now 37 year-old Holiday Boutique moved from the Veteran's Memorial facility to its current location, the Albert H. De Witt Officers Club (nicknamed the O' Club) in Alameda Point. At that time, Sue Marek and Doreen Trubody came on board as coordinators. The use of the O' Club as well as the older veterans Memorial Building are generously provided by the City of Alameda's Recreation & Parks Dept. 

With the new location the AHB has grown to 61 vendors in 2022, taking advantage of the luxury of space...over 8,700 square feet...occupying the spacious Entry Foyer, Elegant Trident Room, and cavernous Main Ballroom. 

​Always well attended by Alamedans and shoppers from all over the East Bay and San Francisco, the coordinators of the 2022 event sought to retain long-time crafters and fine artists while seeking out new, unique, and thoroughly artisanal new vendors to make sure that 2020's COVID-imposed cancellation did not get in the way of continuing to provide a highly curated event that never fails to surprise and delight shoppers whether this is their first visit or their 42nd. In 2022, with 44 returning vendors and 17 new vendors you're sure to see old friends and make new ones.

​Speaking of traditions, once again, delicious, healthful meals were provided by M&J Culinary Creations offering a wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, Lo-carb/No carb options, and an assortment of refreshments. We were also thrilled to have Girl Scout Troops 33686 and 33374 providing delicious baked goodies and freshly brewed coffee. In 2022 Alameda Meals on Wheels joined us again to pour Mimosas and Champagne by the glass as a fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program.

2022's volunteer coordinator team, would like to thank the Encinal High School Key Club (especially Club President Sean Phu) for volunteering to assist as "ambassadors" this year. We also want to thank the City of Alameda Recreation & Parks department for their generosity in providing us with such an elegant and spacious facility to work our magic in once again. And finally, our hats are off to the members of Boy Scouts Troop 11 for their help in getting the O' Club put back together after our wild and wolly boutique weekend. They are the greatest!