For many people, a gift made by hand is more cherished than anything bought in a store.

That was the spirit on display in Polson over the weekend, as the KwaTaqNuk Resort hosted its annual Holiday Bazaar.

Shoppers filled the resort’s basement on Friday and Saturday, hovering over a host of artisan items, from jewelry to pottery to hand-woven wools.

“This signals the start of the holiday season for me,” bazaar-goer Cathy Gatto said.

Gatto said such events offer a refreshing alternative to the typical shopping choices.

“You have such limited options in Polson,” she said. “You can either go to Wal-Mart for the cheap stuff or to the shop downtown that you can’t afford.”

After scanning a display of jewelry, Gatto settled on a shell necklace made by Montana artist Cheryl Rando of Frenchtown.

A frequenter of craft fairs across the region, Rando said the bazaar is especially fun because of its venue and proximity to the holidays.

In addition to seasoned vendors, the marketplace also provides an opportunity for local artists to showcase their crafts.

Polson resident Jil Roberts, also known as “leaf lady,” presses pieces of rhubarb into concrete to create realistic, dish-shaped molds. Roberts said small events such as fairs and farmers markets provide an opportunity to sell her work and gain a local following.

“I don’t really have a business,” she said. “But people have started coming up to me in the store and saying “You’re the leaf lady.’”

Fellow artist Tabitha Boyle shared this sentiment.

“I usually do quite well here,” she said, standing behind her booth of crocheted hats, scarves and stuffed-critters.

Boyle uses bazaars to test out new aspects of her craft, which she has been perfecting over the past 17 years.

“I definitely have some special ones at home that I wouldn’t try and sell,” she said with a laugh.

While many shoppers might have set out with charitable intentions, some were swayed by the moment. Donning her new necklace for the first time, Gatto said occasionally you have to treat yourself.

“This is a Christmas present for me,” she said.