"We have such a nice variety of items, and it's not overwhelming," said Hilary Smith when describing the Olde Salem Craft Bazaar. "It's not huge, but there's still a good variety. It's an enjoyable fundraiser for us to put together, and it's fun for people to come to and shop."

The bazaar will be held in the social hall at the rear of Historic Salem United Church of Christ, 324 Walnut St., Columbia, on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We're going to have toys and Christmas items, handmade plushies, prints and notecards from the Joseph W. Halter Jr. collection," Smith stated. "He was a Columbia resident, and some of his work is pencil drawings and some are painted. We're going to have 1-foot-by-1-foot barn quilts, handcrafted blacksmith items, artwork, jewelry and plants. We will also have a Mary Kay rep there."

Some items are made by congregation members, who get together throughout the year for crafting. Other vendors are friends of members of the church.

The event will also feature a variety of food, available for eat-in or takeout. "We'll have chicken corn soup, sausage minestrone, chili and cream of broccoli soups," Smith shared. "We'll have hamburger barbecue, hot dogs and pretzel sandwiches. We will also have stuffing balls, and they are always a big hit. We always sell out of them."

A variety of baked goods, all made by church members, will be for sale as well, including sand tarts, peanut butter balls and cake doughnuts.

Several chances to win will also be offered at the bazaar. "We'll have a spin-to-win wheel, and anybody who donates at least 25 cents to our property campaign can win something on the wheel," Smith commented. "We will also have giveaway baskets." Basket themes will include kitchen gadgets, gift cards, fall items, Christmas wrapping paper and greeting cards, family fun, local sports teams and local businesses.

Smith noted that the church has held the bazaar for more than 30 years. It's a fundraiser for the church, with proceeds this year going to support building projects.

"Half of the proceeds will go to our property campaign, and half will go to the general fund and outreach," Smith explained. "We need a new roof for our social hall building, and our parking lot needs repaved."

Pictures of craft items and giveaway drawing basket items will be posted at http://www.historicsalemucc.org or may be found on the church's Facebook page by searching for "Historic Salem United Church of Christ, Columbia PA." Parking for the bazaar is available in the alleyway between Walnut and Locust streets off of Third Street.