Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Whether you have or not, you'll find just what you're looking for at the Olde Salem Craft Bazaar. The event will be held in the social hall at the rear of Historic Salem United Church of Christ (UCC), 324 Walnut St., Columbia, on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shoppers can peruse fall and Christmas crafts, gently used Christmas decor, Mary Kay products, toys, jewelry, handmade dolls, plants, books, teacup gnomes and teacup floral arrangements. New merchandise will include toys, clothing, household goods and Christmas items.

Several chance items will be up for grabs, including a peace basket, Lego sets, a gift card giveaway basket, a local business basket, a cozy basket and a health and beauty basket.

For people who work up an appetite while shopping, the bazaar will also feature a variety of food for sale. Soups, including homemade chicken corn, ham and bean, cheesy cauliflower and chili, will be served, along with filling balls and sandwiches such as hamburger barbecue, subs and hot dogs. New this year, the church members will also offer breakfast food. Lots of baked goods will be for sale as well, including sand tarts, pumpkin rolls, peanut butter balls, cake doughnuts, cake pops and fudge. All items will be available to enjoy for a sit-down meal or for takeout.

"The bazaar is a tradition for Salem UCC and a time for fellowship and enjoyment," shared bazaar team member Julie Bigler. "A variety of vendors will be on hand, which gives a number of unique gift ideas for someone or yourself. It is also a chance for the vendors to showcase their talents and creativity. We will also have delicious homemade food and baked goods you can enjoy on-site or take home."

"I personally love going to a smaller, cozier venue where you can shop for unique items - even books," said committee member Denise Bollinger. "You can chat with the vendors and enjoy a leisurely lunch of homemade soup, a sandwich and a homemade baked good. And who else has filling balls?"

Proceeds from the bazaar will support Salem's missions of the month, including Columbia Public Library, Our Church's Wider Mission, Columbia Dream Center and more.

The bazaar has been a tradition at Salem UCC for a long time, and this year will be bittersweet, said bazaar committee member Hilary Smith.

"After 222 years, Historic Salem UCC has made the tough decision to close our doors due to declining membership and the inability in maintaining the property," she shared. "We have decided to have our last worship service on Pentecost Sunday in 2026, which is a celebration Sunday in the Christian faith. This also gives us the opportunity to have one more traditional Christmas and Easter service."

She hopes people will come for one last opportunity to shop at the Olde Salem Craft Bazaar.

"Come for new, crafty, unique items with relaxing shopping and a chance to win a nice basket, all for a good cause," she said.

For more information on the bazaar, call the church at 717-684-6498 and leave a message.