For two days this week, members of Chiques United Methodist Church (UMC) will be busy in the kitchen. They'll be making 350 apple dumplings to sell at the church's 49th annual bazaar, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, at the church, 1215 E. Main St., Mount Joy.
"People come for our apple dumplings," said Audrey Buckner, bazaar chair. "They are very popular." This is the 49th year for the bazaar, and although the pandemic canceled the event last year, it didn't stop the apple dumpling sale. "We did a drive-through apple dumpling pickup last year," Buckner recalled.
While the event is organized by the Women in Mission at Chiques UMC, it's really a group effort, said Georgia Myers, who added, "We call it an 'all-church bazaar.' Everyone helps."
The bazaar will feature a variety of donated and handmade items from church members, including cutlery, jewelry, knitted goods and Christmas items. Cookies, pies and cakes will be sold, along with the apple dumplings. A variety of soups, including chicken noodle and vegetable, will be for sale, and turkey and beef barbecue will be available as well. All food will be sold to-go only.
The bazaar will also feature a white elephant room, full of what the committee members call "attic treasures." "Our white elephant room is always a hit," said Myers. Items in the white elephant room are for sale by donation and will include household items, toys, books and decor. No clothing will be sold.
Myers emphasized that the bazaar offers an opportunity to pick up gifts for a bargain, adding, "Everything is low-priced."
Proceeds from the bazaar will benefit local organizations, including Water Street Mission, Align Life Ministries, Mom's House of Lancaster and Samaritan's Purse, as well as international missions.
This year's bazaar is dedicated to Lorraine Lutz, a longtime member and chair of the event. She is the mother of Buckner, who is the third generation in her family to help with the bazaar.
Buckner noted that leftover items that are not sold are picked up by GreenDrop and donated to Purple Heart.
"There really is something for everyone at the bazaar," Buckner remarked, but she emphasized that the event also serves another purpose. "For many people, it's a chance to come and see friends they haven't seen in a while. It's a social event, and it's a time for fellowship."
Mask wearing and social distancing are encouraged. For more information on the bazaar, call the church at 717-653-5175.
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