During our recent parish Bazaar, St. John’s auditorium became a market place reminiscent of  First century Judah. The room glittered and sparkled as if treasure

Sheryl Kreischer and the much sought after hoodie

laden camels had unloaded their wares and finery. Tables groaned under piles of gold embossed silks, brightly colored woolens, carved utensils and beautiful mosaics, enticing every passerby.

Beginning on Friday, November 12th and resuming the next day, the Bazaar provided ample fun for all ages. To kick things off, adults perused the preview sale Friday evening while dining on Vicinos Italian fare. Their young ones blissfully played in the Kennedy room, tended by St. John’s finest young adults (and several responsible adults).

The next day, families flocked to the Bazaar enjoying food to fill their bellies and Christmas gifts to fill their stockings. Many customers were spied hefting loads of used books from the book sale while children, soda bottle trophies held aloft, tumbled out of the game room.

The gifts were where it’s at, according to the most discriminating shoppers. Jamie Rudolf claimed, “I’d say the shopping is my favorite part.”

Many appreciated being able to shop, dine and have fun, all for a good cause. Patti Curtiss noticed, “everyone having a good time building that sense of community.”

Patty Curtiss and her beautifully hand-crafted mosaics

With 37 thematic baskets offered by raffle and over 20 vendors, there was ample craft and artistry to appeal to every type of shopper from the allowance jingling in the pocket set to experienced decorators and hostesses. Maggie Ruppert liked the used book sale, the vendors, and the food, opining, “I think our church does a fabulous job.”

According to Sheryl Kreisher, though perhaps not as many people came this year, everyone who stopped by bought something from the SJE memorabilia table. In fact, the hoodies were the top sellers. In addition to the traditional Christmas gifts and baked goodies, a live reptile show from Reptiles Alive and the Great Zucchini Magician kept the little ones guessing.

Manon Manfreda, this year’s chairperson even brought the Bethlehem countryside to the Kennedy Room. A wall length diorama depicted the Holy Land at the time of Christ’s birth. Sandy desert, scruffy brush, and the Tower of Antonio whispered promises of the ancient story. Off in the distance, a quiet scene complete with manger, shepherds and serene parents assured us that we too can steal away from the delicacies, fabrics, glitter and hum of the marketplace and find ourselves home.