The traditional Wye Parish Christmas Bazaar returns this year on November 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to the Old Wye Church in Wye Mills, MD. Once again, Christmas shoppers will be able to find the bargain-priced, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and decorations for which the Bazaar has been locally famous for more than half a century. Delicious home-cooked items for take-away or on-site enjoyment will also be available.
Generations of shoppers have taken advantage of the Bazaar’s wide variety of unique gift items offered in festive surroundings and accompanied by good food and good company. Some of the most sought-after items are those that have been hand-made by the Church’s gifted crafters. Over the past summer these talented women met specially to fashion ornaments and other decorations.
Increasingly popular are the Bazaar’s gift baskets which are a feature of the Silent Auction. These pre-assembled and decorated baskets are theme-related. There’s a basket of books lovingly selected for one-to-four year olds, Nona’s baking basket, a basket of favorite wines, a basket created with items for a special dog. There’s one for cats, too! Purchasing an item at an auction is always fun and the exciting auction close will be at 1 p.m.
This year the former Petite Boutique has been replaced by The Emporium – a collection of attractive, useful, and “giftable” items that will make great additions to any home. Back is the always popular selection of gently-used jewelry: bracelets, earrings, pins, necklaces – possible Christmas gifts for the right person. During the darkest time of the year we look for the blooms that will add cheer and mark the lengthening of days. The Bazaar’s collection of amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs, as well as Christmas cactus, offered in attractive ceramic containers will be available for gift-giving or to bring beauty and promise to your home.
As always there will be the delicious pies, cakes and cookies. As the Bazaar is known for its baked goods, these items sometimes sell out quickly.
Often a book is just the right present for someone special, child or adult. The Bazaar’s Christmas Book Shop, stocked and staffed in the Vestry Cottage by the Parish’s Books Café team, will offer an intriguing assortment of gift-quality books for all ages and interests and at bargain prices. In addition, the Book Shop will have a varied collection of “stocking-stuffer books” — Christmas-themed books by popular authors; cooking, entertaining and other holiday how-to books; the occasional old-and-rare item that might catch someone’s eye.
Dwellers on the Eastern Shore have returned to the Christmas Bazaar, for 58 years, not just for the unique gifts and bargain prices, but also for the festive holiday atmosphere. Children love visiting the Bazaar, maybe doing a little shopping of their own, or choosing a special ornament for their tree. This year Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures with a child from 11:30 until noon.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon the Café offers home-cooked food, to be enjoyed while resting and visiting with old and new friends. The ever popular popular Wye Chicken Salad as well as a selection of tasty homemade soups will be on the menu.
Christmas Bazaar owes its long history and popular following to the efforts of the Wye Parish Episcopal Church Woman (ECW). The ECW uses the proceeds from the Bazaar to support the Parish’s outreach programs, a list of which is displayed in the Parish Hall.
The Bazaar cannot accept credit or debit cards, only cash or check. For further information, call the Parish Office at 410-827-8488.
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