Two local bazaars, both scheduled just a little over a week away— the weekend of Nov. 22-23—promise to make downtown Bainbridge a busy and inviting place for people to “jump start” their Christmas shopping.
On Saturday’s schedule are the 9 a.m. openings of St. John’s Episcopal Church Bazaar in the fellowship hall located behind the little historic church with the red door, at 516 E. Broughton Street; and the Bizarre Bazaar, sponsored by the Bainbridge-Decatur County Council of the Arts, held at the Firehouse Gallery.
Both locations will offer unique items to help make the holiday season joyful.
The women of St. John’s Episcopal Church and community friends are busily finishing up projects in preparation for their annual bazaar.
As always, the bazaar will feature homemade jams, baked goods, crafts, gifts, Christmas ornaments and the famous St. John’s chicken salad luncheon.
The lunch plate includes a generous portion of the traditional chicken salad made from the original recipe adapted by long-time member Jean Attaway, frozen fruit salad, banana bread and potato chips.
Local artist Chris Nelson has contributed his Monrovian and Bethlehem stars along with his stained glass panels for sale.
The women of the church have been meeting weekly for months to knit and work on other crafts for the sale.
It is a good idea to get there early in order to get first dibs on such favorites as Berry Penhallegon’s oatmeal bread, mayhaw jelly and canned figs.
Event co-chairs Juliette Richards and Carole Albyn are working hard to coordinate the event, which promises to be as big as ever. The St. John’s Bazaar is steeped in tradition, having been held for many, many years. Proceeds from the event go to several charities in the community and Albyn said it is encouraging the way the community gets involved each year, as donations and workers come from outside the church membership to help make it a success.
This Bizarre Bazaar is chaired this year by Patsy Henry. This is the sixth year of the event, which promotes a place for local artisans to showcase and sell their homemade wares.
Among returning artists this year are Tanya Brouilet with her creative jewelry line, and Mary Young of Tallahassee, with art and books. Newcomers will be Linda Gisondi’s fabric wreaths, and Joe and Bruette Davis of Tallahassee with fruit cakes and baked goods. Other specialty items include burlap door hangars.
Henry said there are still some spaces available, both inside and outside, for last minute registrations.
They will be selling chili, coffee, and hot chocolate for hungry shoppers and exhibitors.
Proceeds help support arts council programming in the community, including the youth adult classes.
The Bizarre Bazaar is also open on Sunday, the 23 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The two bazaars are not really in competition with each other, but serve to promote each other as well as the other activities occurring in the downtown the same weekend. The goal is to encourage people to come spend their time and dollars in downtown Bainbridge and find some really one-of-a kind Christmas gifts.