With Halloween behind us, it's officially time to start thinking about the holiday season, and what better way to kick off than with a holiday market. This Saturday, Nov. 2, the Lewis Community Spouses' Club (LCSC) is bringing back their annual Holiday Market hosted at Lakes High School in Lakewood. Grab the family and your shopping list and check it out.

Lakes High School is just a short drive from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), in fact, many of the teenagers living in base housing are bussed every day to this beautiful school. For the past two years, the LCSC has held their annual market here, and you can help celebrate year three from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission and free parking.

The market is intentionally held off base, as LCSC President Jamie Lynn Blum explained, "We continue to hold it off post so that we can include more vendors who may not have base access, and so that more of the community outside the base can shop ... The vendors are hand-picked to include local businesses, many crafters, and a few entrepreneurs."

They are expecting over 150 vendors selling unique hand-crafted items, perfect for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts. You'll find items ranging from home-made baked goods, holiday and home décor, personal care and beauty items, clothing and jewelry. Families are welcome as Santa will be on site for photos.

The LCSC is a nonprofit, private organization on JBLM. Membership is open to all ranks and include spouses of active-duty, retired, Reserve, Guard, and Gold Star service members. The club is not only a wonderful way to meet other amazing spouses with similar interests and hobbies, but also an opportunity to give back to the community. Volunteer positions are available, as the club is run solely by volunteers, as well as many opportunities to help with fund raising. The club fund raises throughout the year, and the money raised is used for community grants and scholarships. In fact, LCSC is one of the largest contributors to the Fort Lewis Family Member Scholarship Fund. Other past recipients include multiple Lakes High School athletic teams, the Children's Museum of Tacoma, Operation Home Front, Dogs on Deployment, SafePlace, wear blue: run to remember, the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, multiple Boy Scout troops, and so many more.

Join the LCSC this weekend as they put on their annual Holiday Market, filled with an assortment of many beautiful items and gifts for your friends and family. Support small and local businesses this holiday season and be sure to bring your reusable tote to carry everything home. We look forward to seeing you there.

Lewis Community Spouses' Club Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, Lakes High School, 10320 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood, lewiscommunityspousesclub.org