CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
by
Maryann Miller

 

Saturday, November 10 was a warm autumn day in Winnsboro, but that didn't stop people from getting into a holiday mood out at the City Auditorium for the fourth annual Christmas in the Park bazaar. Area churches come together to put on the event, and people work all year long on their fine crafted items.

Kimberly Onley was helping to man the booth for Smyrna Baptist Church. She has been a member there for about a year and said she made a few of the items for sale.

Just when the camera went off, Kimberly turned to help a customer. Customers come first, and there were a lot of them in the first few hours the bazaar was open.

First United Methodist Church had a fine display of Christmas decorations, as well as other types of hand-made gift items.

Dorothy Nulty, pictured here on the right, has been a member for 12 years. She made the angels and santas on the display table, and she said she really enjoys being part of the bazaar every year.

LaVonna Hitz, also from First United Methodist Church, is the chair of the committee that coordinates the annual event. Each church has a representative that sits on the committee, so the work of making all the arrangements is spread around- much to her relief.

LaVonna, pictured here on the left, said that the idea to have a church-sponsored bazaar started with her and Patty Barrett from First Baptist Church. "You could say that she and I birthed this idea. Some of us had been talking about it for several years, and a few years ago Patty and I decided to stop talking and just do it."

Eleven churches participated in the bazaar this year, and LaVonna said it was very successful. There were a lot of people there through lunch, "And they were all buyers. Our church sold out, and that is almost unheard of."

Some of the other churches represented included His House Ministries. Kimo Maher, had a wonderful selection of jewelry, some of it made by him and some imported. He said the funds raised helps to support his missionary trips to Africa.

Marie Staggs, seated, and her sister, Wanda Smedley, were selling items for Pine Hill Presbyterian church.

Across from them was First Presbyterian Church of Winnsboro. Tina Hammer, the church secretary is on the left with Carol Reeves. They wore aprons that said, "Have you hugged a Presbyterian today? " so they decided they should go hug the others when they had a lull in customers.

 

 

St. Frances Episcopal also had a booth, and Betty Allen, seated, worked with Kathy Garrison. Here they are helping Carol Reeve with a purchase.

LaVonna said that this year's bazaar was better than last year, in terms of attendance and sales, and the committee is already starting to look at next year. The bazaar will be held the second weekend of November, and all churches are invited to participate. "This is really an ecumenical project," LaVonna said. "And we welcome all area churches to come and be part of it. We won't have outside venders, because we want to keep this a church event."

Any churches wanting to participate can contact LaVonna at : 903- 342-5446 or e-mail