AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — It’s a few weeks early for Halloween, but there still might be a few witches on base next weekend.

But don’t worry. They’re not the evil kind. The annual Bella Befana (“Good Witch”) Bazaar will be Oct. 1-3.

In addition to the more than 120 vendors from at least nine countries selling their wares, this year’s version will boast a few extras. Customers will be able to use credit cards for the first time, gift-wrapping services will be available and representatives from the base post office will have an area set up where gifts can be mailed to the States.

Angie Newland, chairwoman for the event, says the bazaar is traditionally popular for those trying to find gifts for Christmas. And it will have some of the same artists who attend every year and new ones.

Live entertainment is scheduled and a dozen organizations from the base will be selling a variety of ethnic foods. The event will be spread out among the large hangars along the flight line near the main gate. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Newland said money raised from the event will go to scholarships for high school and continuing-education students and other projects.

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