MISSION VIEJO : Panel to Select Boutique Artisans

For the first time in the 25-year history of the city’s holiday boutique, artisans who want to participate in the annual event will be put through a qualifying process.

The Mission Viejo Activities Committee will accept, through April 14, applications and photos of merchandise that artists wish to sell, which will be submitted to an evaluation committee.

Boutique chairwoman Sue DeCant said that so many people want to sell their handcrafts at the event that a selection process was needed.

“Last year we sold 186 spaces and had more than 200 people on a waiting list,” she said. “It’s really great that we have that kind of following, but we really needed to open up to new and fresh ideas.”

All prospective vendors, new and returning, will have an equal chance to participate, DeCant said.

The selection jury will study the entries from April 24 to 28. The event will be Nov. 18 and 19 in the city’s Montanoso Recreation Center.

To receive an application, contact the Mission Viejo Activities Committee at (714) 830-7066.