After 19th-century settlers cleared their land and built homesteads, one of the first things they did was address educational and spiritual needs, building churches and one-room schools.
Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Anglican — churches sprang up in every hamlet and town.
Not only were they centres for spiritual activities, they also were social centres. How many couples met at a church dance? And how many church women, using their skills in baking, sewing, quilting, preserving and pickling, raised money in support of their church or mission at a church bazaar?
Like fall fairs, bazaars were outlets for creativity, an opportunity to socialize and to fundraise — along with strawberry socials, chicken or beef dinners, and church picnics. They were the one-of-a-kind craft shows of their day, an expression of women’s work and faith.
“The Splendour of Christmas bazaar is always a lot of fun for the visiting shoppers, but many of the Catholic Women’s League ladies, as in other churches, have had their specific tables — baking, luncheon, books, gift baskets — for years,” said Mikki Nanowski, a member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL).
“The bazaar becomes a familiar, happy community social, with great bargains thrown in as a bonus.”
While many of the area’s historic churches are now closed, and church socials have dwindled, winter holiday bazaars continue to offer an opportunity to discover unique gifts and crafts, enjoy home baking, and raise funds for a range of causes.
“It makes Christmas much more relevant. It brings people together. It creates a feeling of preparedness for Christmas!” said Helen Sharko, of Bradford United Church.
Here are some of the local bazaars coming up:
The Catholic Women’s League hosts a Christmas Bazaar at Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church on Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Parish Hall at 167 Essa Rd. will share the Splendours of the Christmas Season, including homemade baking and crafts, a book table, plants, new and used treasures, and a great array of gift baskets wrapped and ready for giving. Lunch will be available on Nov. 3 only — a variety of homemade soups, sandwiches, dessert, tea or coffee. In keeping with traditions, the proceeds will go to support a variety of projects of the CWL.
St. James United Church in Stroud, Innisfil, hosts its Evergreen Bazaar and Silent Auction on Nov. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Handmade crafts and sewing, book sale, silent auction, huge bake table, and tea and lunch room. Kids can do their Christmas shopping, with the help of Elves, in the Kids’ Store.
The Danube Seniors Leisure Centre holds its annual Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Includes a White Elephant Table, used books and jigsaw puzzles, and handmade crafts by the Craft Room and Woodworking shop. The bake table will offer homemade baking, preserves and pickles. A soup-and-sandwich lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Needed: Volunteers to help set up on Nov. 9, sell items and pack up on Nov. 10.
St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Churchill, Innisfil, holds its Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafts, toonie table, lunch room, and famous bake table! All proceeds go to the general church fund.
Nottawasaga Inn Resort hosts its annual Sugar Plum Fair Craft Show and Sale, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 100 vendors, artisans, artists and craftspeople display their wares — everything from fine art and stained glass, to Christmas decorations, knitted mittens and homemade fudge. Admission is $5. Free for accompanied children 12 and under. Watch for Santa!
On Nov. 17, Bradford United Church Women will host their annual Christmas Bazaar, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 66 Barrie St. There will be quilted goods, gift baskets, jewellery, and items created by local artisans. There will also be a silent auction of goods donated by local merchants, and a luncheon of soups or chili, sandwiches, desserts, tea or coffee available for only $12 per person. Crafters can rent a table for $30. Call 905-775-7268 to reserve.
The annual Lefroy United Church Christmas Bazaar and Sale takes place Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes a penny table, bake table, arts and crafts, vendors and a homemade lunch featuring soup, sandwiches, desserts and apple cider. Vendors wishing to book a table should call 705-456-6197.
The Royal Canadian Legion in Bradford, at 115 Back St., is hosting its craft and bake sale on Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch and snacks will be available to purchase. Vendors and crafters wanted. Reserve your table for only $15. Call Nicole at 905-806-8389 to reserve a spot.
