68th Niantic Community Church Jack Frost Bazaar
68th annual holiday bazaar attracts people from all over southeastern Connecticut. The entire church is converted to a holiday extravaganza with something for everyone including a turkey luncheon. Silent auction, collectibles, hand made crafts, book sale, Mrs. Santa and more a re just a few of the highlights that attract people year after year.
Niantic, CT, October 23, 2013 --(PR.com)-- If folks are looking for a way to begin their holiday celebration in a big way, the 68th Jack Frost Bazaar at Niantic Community Church is a great way to do it. On Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., approximately 14,000 square feet of space will be radically transformed as it is every year, for an event that attracts people from all over southeastern Connecticut and the shoreline. What is typically worship, office, and program space becomes a festive holiday extravaganza, that although planned for all year long, is over in a day, making it the “go to” event of the season. Families for generations make the Jack Frost Bazaar a holiday tradition and each year they count on favorite familiar sights that bring to mind the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas. Jen Datum and Susan Brown co-chair the event this year.
“I like the comments by people who come to the bazaar each year who say we make the Church such a beautifully, welcoming place to shop for new, used, old, creative, and delicious things,” said Susan. “They look forward to it every year. It has become part of their early holiday season ritual. We even offer the valet parking.”
On the main level of the church visitors find not only Christmas decorations, handmade items, attic treasures, a used book sale and silent auction, but a room filled with jewelry, an alternative marketplace and Mrs. Santa on hand with gifts for the kids. This year a variety of 30 high end collectible dolls have been donated along with several classic and vintage Breyer horses. One doll is an 1890’s Bell Operator Doll and another, a 42” limited edition Rustie doll in original packaging. Unique treasures for everyone fill the space.
“It is always heartwarming to see the way everyone comes together to make such an event possible,” said Sue Basham who helps out with the handmade items.
The jewelry room started out small but has grown significantly over the years as coordinators gather gold and silver baubles and bangles and bracelets galore, all year round in anticipation of the event.
“I took over the Jewelry booth about 20 years ago to help out and I got hooked,” confesses Jeannette Woodworth. “After about five years later Edie Watrous volunteered to help and later Laureen Pierandi-McCarthy joined in on the fun.”
“I am blessed to be running our Book Room at the JFB again this year,” said Nancy Hunt. “We often have DVD's, music CD's, books of all kinds which appeal to all age groups and interests. You name it, we will probably have it. One of the best things for me personally during this experience has been great bonding with my grand-daughter, who comes from New York to help out. We share a love of reading, and have a great time together.”
On the lower level is a kids toys tent, the Cookie Cottage and baked goods galore. The brownies and sugar cookies might have to wait while wise holiday travelers save room for the Turkey luncheon. Kim Birk and Heather Larson are returning as co-chairs of the bazaar luncheon and they will be leading their team, serving up a traditional turkey lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. New this year is apple crisp for dessert. The cost is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children with dine in and take out available.
“To us, the Jack Frost Bazaar signals the start of the holiday season,” said Heather. “And it’s a great feeling to be part of this wonderful tradition.”
“There are few members of the church who can remember the start of the Christmas Sale,” says church historian, Liz Kuchta. “We remember being taken to homes as little children to watch our mothers create. We remember the awe of the church decorated for that festive time. Having worked on or attended the Jack Frost Bazaar for over 60 years I have watched it change and grow. It is a day’s event where strangers enter and leave friends to return every year.”
Niantic Community Church is located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic. Call (860)739-6208 for more information or visit www.NianticCommunityChurch.org.
“I like the comments by people who come to the bazaar each year who say we make the Church such a beautifully, welcoming place to shop for new, used, old, creative, and delicious things,” said Susan. “They look forward to it every year. It has become part of their early holiday season ritual. We even offer the valet parking.”
On the main level of the church visitors find not only Christmas decorations, handmade items, attic treasures, a used book sale and silent auction, but a room filled with jewelry, an alternative marketplace and Mrs. Santa on hand with gifts for the kids. This year a variety of 30 high end collectible dolls have been donated along with several classic and vintage Breyer horses. One doll is an 1890’s Bell Operator Doll and another, a 42” limited edition Rustie doll in original packaging. Unique treasures for everyone fill the space.
“It is always heartwarming to see the way everyone comes together to make such an event possible,” said Sue Basham who helps out with the handmade items.
The jewelry room started out small but has grown significantly over the years as coordinators gather gold and silver baubles and bangles and bracelets galore, all year round in anticipation of the event.
“I took over the Jewelry booth about 20 years ago to help out and I got hooked,” confesses Jeannette Woodworth. “After about five years later Edie Watrous volunteered to help and later Laureen Pierandi-McCarthy joined in on the fun.”
“I am blessed to be running our Book Room at the JFB again this year,” said Nancy Hunt. “We often have DVD's, music CD's, books of all kinds which appeal to all age groups and interests. You name it, we will probably have it. One of the best things for me personally during this experience has been great bonding with my grand-daughter, who comes from New York to help out. We share a love of reading, and have a great time together.”
On the lower level is a kids toys tent, the Cookie Cottage and baked goods galore. The brownies and sugar cookies might have to wait while wise holiday travelers save room for the Turkey luncheon. Kim Birk and Heather Larson are returning as co-chairs of the bazaar luncheon and they will be leading their team, serving up a traditional turkey lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. New this year is apple crisp for dessert. The cost is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children with dine in and take out available.
“To us, the Jack Frost Bazaar signals the start of the holiday season,” said Heather. “And it’s a great feeling to be part of this wonderful tradition.”
“There are few members of the church who can remember the start of the Christmas Sale,” says church historian, Liz Kuchta. “We remember being taken to homes as little children to watch our mothers create. We remember the awe of the church decorated for that festive time. Having worked on or attended the Jack Frost Bazaar for over 60 years I have watched it change and grow. It is a day’s event where strangers enter and leave friends to return every year.”
Niantic Community Church is located at 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic. Call (860)739-6208 for more information or visit www.NianticCommunityChurch.org.
Contact
Niantic Community Church
Patty Chaffee
860-739-6208
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
Patty Chaffee
860-739-6208
www.NianticCommunityChurch.org
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