If it is almost Thanksgiving, then you know things are gearing up in downtown Bainbridge for the annual bazaar weekend and the downtown Bainbridge Holiday Open House— all in one weekend.

Saturday, November 18 is the date of the annual bazaar sponsored by the Women of St. John’s Episcopal Church. It will be held in the parish hall behind the church at 516 E. Broughton Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is a long-held tradition for St. John’s where the women have been working hard all year making crafts, gifts and seasonal ornaments guaranteed to help decorate your home. Unique gift items can be found for some special people on your gift list. Elizabeth Murphy has hand made a nice selection of doll clothes sized to fit the American Girl dolls. Laura Bridges is in charge of organizing the White Elephant sale room, where all the great “gently used” items, such as lamps, electronics, etc. can be seen.

Last minute preparations include baked goods, jellies and jams, frozen pans of dressing and other delicacies to help complete Thanksgiving dinner preparations.

Shoppers will also be able to eat in or take out their famous chicken salad luncheon for $10.

Saturday is also the opening day of the Bizarre Bazaar held at the Firehouse Arts Center.  It opens at 10 a.m., runs until 4 p.m., and continues on Sunday, November 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Local and regional arts and crafts persons will be selling their unique creations.

In addition to jams and jellies, there will be hand made jewelry, water color and acrylic paintings, wreaths, hand-written books, wood carvings and much more. It is not too late for vendors to sign up by going to the website, www.BainbridgeArt.com and completing online registration. Cost of inside booths is $60 and $35 for outdoor space in the patio garden.

The Bizarre Bazaar coincides with the downtown Bainbridge Holiday Open House held each year on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving.

Open House participating downtown merchants will welcome shoppers from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, with great discounts and unique gift ideas.  Shoppers will have a chance at each stop to enter a drawing for a gift basket.

Participating businesses include: Sharon House, A to Z- Children’s Boutique, Bella’s Boutique, Betty’s Xchange, Isabees Children’s Apparel, Reca Wear, Special Occasions Formal Wear, J&L Gift Shop, L.T.L. Flowers & More, Polka Dots & More, Reeves’ Gifts, Maiden South, Mad Rose, The Refinery, Firehouse Arts Center, Factory Connection, Skin Care by Jennifer, Flint River Outfitters, In the Garden, Blown Away and Godwin Jewelers.