DOUGLASSVILLE — Members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 548 Old Swede Road, are busy preparing for their annual Christmas Bazaar. This year’s bazaar, the church’s biggest fundraiser of the year, is set for Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We’re trying something new this year,” said Jane Eagle, the bazaar’s chairperson, noting the bazaar is set for the week before Thanksgiving, instead of in early December as it has been in the past.
This year’s pre-Thanksgiving date will give people an early start on shopping for gifts and Christmas décor in a local festive atmosphere. The bazaar will feature a variety of handcrafted items including home décor; evergreen items such as wreaths, swags, sprays and cemetery boxes; and pantry items such as chow-chow, fresh baked bread, cookies and candies. A raffle will also offer a variety of items.
The church’s baking team, which Eagle calls “a well-organized operation,” will offer mince, shoefly and coconut cream pies this year.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors will find Santa and Mrs. Claus at the bazaar’s photo booth. During this BYOC (bring your own camera or phone) event, someone will be on hand to help with photos. The photos taken with Santa are $5 per family and all of the proceeds will go to the church’s Child Development Center, which offers both St. Paul’s Child Care and St. Paul’s Preschool.
At 10 a.m. students of flute instructor Anne Weiser will present a flute recital, adding to the festive atmosphere.
As in the past, the bazaar will offer Attic Treasures, select pre-owned items donated by members, downstairs in the church. Shoppers can get some great deals on home décor, Christmas décor, games and puzzles.
Shoppers will have plenty of food choices throughout the day. The breakfast menu includes egg casserole with sausage, a vegetarian egg casserole, and pancakes with or without waffles. Lunch items include pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers/cheeseburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and soups. For those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread waffle and ice cream sandwich would make a perfect desert.
For updates on the Christmas Bazaar, follow St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Facebook. To pre-order pies and greens, call the church office at 610-385-6616.