It was three years ago that organizers of the annual Holiday Boutique in Manteca entertained the idea of a bake sale.

As it turned out, the bake sale was a smash.

“People look forward to it – we usually sell out,” said Andrea Collins-Cambra, who operated the snack bar during Friday’s opening day of the three-day event at the Manteca-Ripon Pentecost Society Hall, 133 Grant St.

The bake sale will be held today in conjunction with the annual Manteca Twilight Christmas Parade. For that matter, the Holiday Boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The three-day event concludes Sunday, and will be in operation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Judy Cambra, meanwhile, had a hand in putting together the bake sale, getting a boost from none other than “Auntie Pegi Sweets.”

Pegi Cambra is Auntie Pegi. She’s the maker and baker of sweet treats such as her pumpkin roll – everybody’s favorite, according to Collins-Cambra – pineapple upside-down cake, and cookies, to name a few, according to organizer Teresa Rieb.

Rieb also works the boutique operating her booth, Scentsy wickless candles, selling hand-made crafts and other gift items.

She added that the Holiday Boutique, featuring 20 vendors, can fill someone’s Christmas shopping list. Included is newcomer Doll’s Creative Gifts of Livermore.

Darlene and Ken Levin found out about the Holiday Boutique via relatives in Manteca.

“We sell mostly hand-made novelty soaps,” Darlene Levin said.

For more information, call 239-4222 or 679-0316.