Church to hold two sales in one

When opportunity knocks, members of Our Lady of Lourdes Church are not afraid to answer. Years ago, the church held an annual holiday bazaar, and it seemed appropriate to bring back the tradition in the fall of 2023. At the same time, longtime parish member Bunny Ford decided to liquidate her clothing business, and she contacted the parish council about donating some of the items to the church. A few parishioners responded by taking the helm of that project.

The result is a holiday bazaar and clothing sale to be held at the church, 150 Water St., New Holland, on Saturday, Nov. 18; from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include a number of vendors, discounted clothing for women, and food items for purchase. Both sales will be held inside the church, and attendees are asked to enter at the Parish Center doorway.

Organizer Karen Kernc plans to have more than 30 vendors take part. She noted that a variety of craft items will be on display, including woodworking, hand-painted glass ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, custom florals, stained glass, soy candles, incense, soaps, and wreaths. Artwork will include painted canvases and jewelry and canvases made with paint pouring. Sewn items will include scrubbies, tea towels, pillows, small quilts, table runners, and placemats. One vendor creates a variety of items, from purses to potholders and dog neckerchiefs, from repurposed military wear. Fudge and baked goods will also be sold. A few items have been reserved for giveaways, including an 82-by-90-inch two-sided quilt in a range of blues made by a parishioner.

When Ford decided to liquidate her inventory, she wanted to make a donation to the church. A group of women including Fran Cannon and Kathy Baker offered to work with Ford on the project. They visited her location and were overwhelmed. "It was pretty awesome," said Cannon of the number of pieces available. "We took more than 350 pieces," she said, adding that most of the items are tops, sweaters, and jackets and some anorak jackets." Cannon noted that the clothing mostly appeals to the mature woman but is available in a variety of sizes and multiple colors. The selection consists of all brand-new items, but prices will be discounted from the amount on the tag. Baker noted that a changing area will be available for women who would like to try on pieces.

All funds raised by the sales will be used for capital improvements at the church.

Food items that will be available for purchase at the event will include chicken corn soup sold by the bowl and the quart, hot dogs, chips, soda, coffee, and cookies.

Kernc noted that vendor space may still be available. Those interested in renting a space may call 717-371-2142. More information about the event may be found at http://www.ourladyoflourdesnh.com.