For many years, Leacock Presbyterian Church held a Christmas bazaar. The advent of COVID-19 restrictions interfered with that event, but now a group of women associated with the church is working to bring back the tradition. They include Christy Fieldsa, Bonnie Rice, Alba Ruhl, and Marsha Ault. The 2023 bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 3181 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise.

The group has been working since late summer to organize the annual event, which will include the plated bonbons and cookies the church has become known for, along with ornaments and decorations, a silent auction, and a variety of food items.

Among the handmade ornamentss that will be offered for sale are some in felt or paper. Ornaments called Santa's Magic Keys that resemble reindeer heads and are decorated with red ribbons will be offered, as will decorative items, including wreaths, trees, and snowmen. Gift jars of soup, hot chocolate, friendship tea, and cookie mixes will be available along with potpourri mixes. Kitchen utensils that are both pretty and functional, live plants, and lamps will go up for sale as will glass versions of games such as chess, Jenga, and tic-tac-toe. Toys and books have also been donated to sell, and there will be a variety of handmade jewelry.

A few antique items, such as a rocking horse and a painting that have been donated, may be sold at silent auction. Ruhl said that up to eight items will be included in the auction, which will remain open until after the 9:30 a.m. service at the church on Sunday, Dec. 3. An Advent breakfast will be held at the church at 9 a.m. on Dec. 3, and attendees will be able to bid during that event.

Church members are creating gift baskets for the sale. Among the themed baskets that organizers expect to offer are a wine basket, a movie night basket, and a fishing basket.

In addition to the plated cookies and bonbons, a bake sale will be held. Rice noted that the holiday cafe will be open for hungry visitors. Ruhl said that in the morning, breakfast sandwiches, baked oatmeal, and English muffin bread will be available for purchase. Lunch items will include barbecue, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese.

All funds raised by the bazaar will be used for local mission projects at the discretion of the church missions committee.

More information about the church may be found at http://www.leacockpres.org.