As November begins, so do the early special events that herald the beginning of the holiday Christmas Season in Bainbridge.

One tradition that many await with anticipation is the annual Christmas Bazaar held the Saturday before Thanksgiving in the Parish Hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Historically, people are waiting in line outside the door as it opens at 9 a.m. so they can rush in and be one of the first to look over the baked goods. Certain items are always in demand, be it pecan pies, homemade rolls and bread or a 12 layer chocolate or caramel cake.

There is always a good selection of holiday décor, handmade crafts, hand-knit items, along with home cooked foods, canned, baked and frozen. Many of these items, especially the frozen casseroles, are intended to help set a Thanksgiving table.

When done shopping top it all off and enjoy the famous chicken salad luncheon. The bazaar will remain open until 3 p.m.

Each year, proceeds from the bazaar help the following local organizations: Family Connection, DFACS, Foster Children Christmas Gifts, Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, Marley Memorial, Salvation Army and the St. John’s Episcopal Church Girl Scout troop. It is the only one in Bainbridge and began three years ago. It meets once a week with Latasha Taylor as troop leader. 

At the same time, it should be noted that some of the other holiday traditions experienced in the past have been suspended for this year, possibly due to the hardships suffered by much of the population devastated by Hurricane Michael.

The Bizarre Bazaar has been cancelled, with a possibility of offering it in the spring.

Likewise, the apple pie baking and sales to benefit Friendship House will not happen this year.

However, the Shop Bainbridge Community-wide Holiday Open House will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 17th, with many merchants offering special holiday sales.