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Snowflake Boutique Celebrates 50 Years of Kicking Off the Holidays
By Courtney Cobb
For generations, Snowflake Boutique has signaled the start of the holiday season in Central Oregon. What began more than 50 years ago as a small gathering of crafters in a Redmond home has grown into a beloved holiday tradition featuring handcrafted goods, community connections, and generations of shoppers.
In 1975, local quilter Virginia Riggs and weaver Diane Dorsch held the first show at Virginia’s home. It was a private, invitation-only event for family and friends, featuring 25 crafters.
“Riggs brought the idea from Seattle, where she knew of a long-running home-based holiday bazaar,” Snowflake Boutique Publicity Chair Tonia Smith says. “I have a friend who has been to every single Snowflake from the beginning because Riggs’ husband was her kid’s teacher.”
After 7 years in Virginia’s home, the crafters decided to form a cooperative. The show moved around the Redmond area, from local churches to the old fairgrounds, before finding a home at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
As the boutique grew, so did its impact. Snowflake Boutique became more than a place to find unique, handcrafted gifts—it became a way to give back to the community.
A portion of Snowflake’s admission proceeds benefits local nonprofits. Throughout the years, recipients have included Redmond Humane Society, Toys for Tots, Family Access Network, and Oregon Youth Challenge Program.
This year’s admission is $4, with $1 from admission and a portion of the boutique sales going to local nonprofits. This year, representatives from Redmond Senior Center will be at the boutique helping sell tickets.
That community support extends beyond charitable giving. Several groups, including Band of Brothers, Redmond Proficiency Academy and Oregon Youth Challenge Program, have provided volunteers over the years.
“The Band of Brothers helps us out every year, and they are fantastic,” Tonia says. “They help with setup and teardown. It has been special because the Band of Brothers will come to the show with their wives and families.”
A Unique Shopping Experience
Part of Snowflake’s staying power may be the shopping experience itself. Unlike traditional holiday bazaars built around individual vendor booths, Snowflake operates as a consignment show. “Members’ and consignors’ items are displayed like they would be in a boutique or store, allowing shoppers to browse at their own pace and make a single payment before leaving,” Tonia says. “The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it easy for guests to find gifts and items for themselves.”
Handmade items are at the heart of the boutique, with Snowflake requiring makers to create most of each product. “Our products have to be 75% done by the person,” Tonia says. The consignment model also appeals to makers, who can drop off their items and leave the displays and sales to volunteers. Afterward, they pick up anything that didn’t sell.
“They can focus on creating without setting up or taking down a booth or staffing the event all day,” Tonia says. At the boutique, shoppers may find everything from decor, jewelry, and clothing to woodworking, ceramics, candles, food, and children’s items.
Pat Lamoureux, jury chair and a 30-year veteran of Snowflake Boutique, says 1 of the most rewarding parts is watching that tradition pass from 1 generation to the next.
“Through the years, Snowflake Boutique has become a family tradition,” she says. “The guests know they can find good quality, handmade items while supporting our local charities.” Shoppers often line up outside before the doors open. “You want to be there when the doors open,” Pat says. “You get the best perspective, and you get the first shot at everything we have.”
Volunteers often spot the growing crowd while making their final preparations. “We look out the windows and see we’ve already got a line,” Tonia says. “Rain, snow, whatever the weather, they are lined up to come in early.”
The Volunteers Behind the Boutique
Behind the handcrafted goods, carefully arranged displays, and decades of tradition is an all-volunteer team that brings Snowflake Boutique to life each year. From selecting consignors and creating displays to publicity, setup and teardown, volunteers handle nearly every detail.
“Every one of us, from the board chairs on down, we’re all volunteers,” Tonia says. “We do it because we have a love for Snowflake. I mean, we have a love for crafts, yes. But Snowflake is what brings us together.”
As the 50th show approaches, Tonia says the milestone belongs just as much to those who came before as to those carrying on the tradition today.
“We can’t thank them individually because we’re going to forget someone,” Tonia says. “Without them doing what they’ve done over 50 years, starting with Virginia and Diane, we would not be here. So, we want to thank all of those who came before us.”