St. Paul's Episcopal Church Hosts 16th Annual Holiday Bazaar

“You can’t help but feel the holiday spirit when you walk in the door,” says Juliet Slavens, event co-chair for the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar. The community tradition is set to return for its 16th year on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, bringing a collection of homemade goods and seasonal crafts to the Watertown community.

As reported by the Watertown Daily Times, the bazaar will take place in the church Guild Hall, situated at the corner of South 3rd and Spring Streets. For those looking to begin their seasonal shopping, the event offers a window of opportunity on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a shorter session on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Local goods and parishioner crafts drive the bazaar

The event relies heavily on the labor and skill of the St. Paul’s congregation. Vicki Wright, the other event co-chair, noted that parishioners spend months preparing the various hand-crafted items that appear on the sale tables. These offerings range from custom wood crafts and cozy mittens to soaps, lotions, and seasonal porch decorations.

The food offerings are often the primary draw for attendees, though they frequently disappear quickly. Wright identified several high-demand items that tend to sell out faster than others, including:

Homemade pies (available both fresh-baked and frozen)
Norwegian lefsa
Jams and relishes
Assorted baked goods
Fresh green arrangements

Every food item sold during the two-day event is prepared by members of the parish. Beyond the new crafts, the bazaar also serves as a marketplace for vintage items, unique housewares, and holiday decorations donated by parishioners.

Funding for community outreach missions

While the bazaar functions as a seasonal shopping destination, the economic impact of the event extends into local social services. The revenue generated from the sale of crafts and food provides direct funding for the outreach missions at St. Paul’s. One of the primary beneficiaries is Mary’s Room, a program dedicated to providing essential supplies, such as clothing and diapers, to families in need within the local area.

This connection between seasonal commerce and community stability highlights the dual role of such local gatherings. For the organizers, the success of the bazaar is measured not just by the volume of goods sold, but by the ability to sustain these specific charitable efforts. Slavens expressed gratitude for the ongoing community involvement, noting that the support is vital to the church’s ability to maintain these outreach programs.

For those seeking additional details or looking to connect with the organizers, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church maintains a presence on Facebook, and further information can be found at stpaulswt.org or by calling 920-261-1150.

The bazaar doors open at 9 a.m. on Nov. 21.