The Holiday Bazaar 2022: A Favorite Annual Christmas Tradition Supporting Parish and Community

Since the early 2000s, St. Francis Solanus has hosted a very special annual event, highlighting the talents and businesses of our local community, while providing an opportunity to enjoy some holiday shopping festivities. The Holiday Bazaar is a one-day event featuring a wide variety of vendors and crafts as well as a basket raffle, lunch, and the prayer tree.

This year’s Holiday Bazaar will take place at the Parish Center on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. A lunch of soup and sandwiches will be available for purchase. Instead of a traditional silent auction for the baskets, a basket raffle is held. This means that shoppers purchase tickets and then enter those tickets into the drawing for that particular basket. Drawings are done at the end of the afternoon. The special items in these baskets are donated by parishioners or local businesses. Along with the basket raffle, tickets will be sold for the 50/50 and the main raffle. The prizes for the raffle include gift cards and other donations from the community. All proceeds from the event go toward supporting church programs.

From products by Thirty-One, Pampered Chef, and Tupperware, to essential oils and handmade home décor items, crocheted goods, and homemade dog treats, the vendors will offer a wide range of items so there is something for everyone at the Holiday Bazaar!

“All of these different items support small local businesses of the community while also supporting our parish community.”

“This is the perfect time to get those last-minute individualized gifts!” says Angel Miranda, the coordinator for the Holiday Bazaar. “All of these different items support small local businesses of the community while also supporting our parish community.”

Angel has served as head coordinator for the last three years.

“It takes a lot of people to make this successful. In the end, it is everyone coming together with the heart of stewardship, giving of their time, talent, and treasure. We have dedicated volunteers who give of their time, helping with setup, takedown, and everything in between. Our vendors and donors share their talents of craftsmanship and sales. We have so many generous donors who share their treasure.”

“The first year that I organized this was 2020, so it was a virtual event.” Angel says “This year and last year have been in person. It takes a lot of people to make this successful. In the end, it is everyone coming together with the heart of stewardship, giving of their time, talent, and treasure. We have dedicated volunteers who give of their time, helping with setup, takedown, and everything in between. Our vendors and donors share their talents of craftsmanship and sales. We have so many generous donors who share their treasure.” This is a wonderful event to share with friends and family. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to invite others in the community to come and enjoy a day of shopping, food, and festivities!

It takes an entire community to put together a great day like this. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating items may contact Angel Miranda at [email protected] or 217-316-0038.