Rita Butt

It used to be a great time when everyone met their friends, fellow parishioners and acquaintances from other churches and groups.

We always searched the local newspaper for dates and locations of these great events.

Sometimes, we were in a quandary when there were two or three bazaars on the same day, but we always managed to visit them all. 

Everybody went to every bazaar. It didn’t matter whether you belonged to that church or organization or not.

We all supported one another.

From year to year, we saw the same object offered in different church basements.

We bought something we really didn’t want in one place and donated it the next year to someone else. 

It made the rounds and made money for everybody.

A great many of us did all this visiting and good work while we were busy pushing a baby carriage or stroller and getting in everyone’s way in busy crowded venues.

Every bazaar had a fish pond where you could find something to amuse the children, at least temporarily, and a refreshment table mainly stacked with fudge, cupcakes and taffy apples.

There were always tables full of knitted and crocheted items.

This was when small children wore booties, bonnets and sweaters.

Adults were not excluded as there were men’s hand-knitted argyle socks, Aaran pullovers and Mary Maxim cardigans with pictures of horses, sheep, dogs and cats on the back.

These were very popular. 

This was before there was writing on caps, T-shirts and jackets for everyone to read.

There were also tea cosies, embroidered pillow cases, doilies and small tablecloths and aprons. 

Bazaars were always scheduled at this time of year as many folks made Christmas wreaths and decorations that were cheaper than those in the stores and sometimes much more imaginative.

It really was a pleasant time and a joy when you found something you thought was a bargain.

So, get yourself to this year’s bazaars, visit your friends and be sure to buy something you don’t really need so you can donate it to next year’s extravaganza (if you can find it by then).

I have a great many things I could give away, but I doubt anyone else would want them. Of course, they represent my life and I smile to see them as they remind me of happy days and old friends.