By J.C. Vega
Saint Elizabeth Seton annual Fall Bazaar was held on Saturday, October 28 and 29 at the parish, located at 9728 West Palmeras Drive in Sun City, AZ. This annual event was hosted by The Women’s Seton Society inside our parish hall. As usual we had a great turnout of parishioners and guests from the surrounding community. On Saturday approximately 70 people, parishioners, and their families, all congregated in the parish hall.
Every corner of the church was covered with delicious, soft baked goods, candies, crafts, religious trinkets, plants, items of crocheting/knitting, jewelry and even a beautiful collection of dolls. On the south end, tables and chairs were available so that parishioners had a chance to sit and socialize and enjoy the refreshments and snacks/baked goods that they purchased. There was also hot tea, coffee, and water to accompany the desserts; everything from bunt cakes, cookies, and cupcakes were on sale. The people facilitating the jewelry section, Colleen, and Margaret, were “Eight-year veterans” who had plenty of experience running this Fall festival. The trio running the raffle tickets — Penny, Barbara, and Margie— were veterans as well. One of these ladies, Margie Tetmeyer, stated that what she liked most about being involved in this bazaar is “how friendly the crowd is, and how there is something for everyone here.”
One of the attendees, Lorena Lewis, a Sun City resident, was able to find a charming nativity set for her husband that he had requested; he was pleasantly surprised by it as he’s a collector of nativity sets. Once he received it at home, he enthusiastically set it up near the existing one on his shelf display. She also was able to find a pair of gorgeous turquoise earrings at a bargain for $5 dollars. There were a wide variety of items for sale, everything from puzzles to appliances such as ravioli makers and milk frouthers, truly something for everyone. In addition, those who have a green thumb could be enticed with the vibrant, potted plants for sale, some of which were planted in unique pots. One of the most interesting parts of the bazaar was the dolls section which featured very vintage dolls, including a Ronald McDonald and a Snow-White doll which generated a lot of interest.
Other people donated their skills with baked goods, knitted items, especially adorable baby dresses, while others donated their time by putting together festive candy bags or holiday-specific candy for sale. Every donation and everyone one tending to their assigned sections played a part in this bazaar. Beth Lema, Deacon Sal’s wife, grew up in Illinois, spending many snowy, cold winters there. Shoveling snow was a chore that needed to be accomplished before she could get to the fun of packing, rolling, and decorating her snowmen. About 15 years ago, she started collecting snowmen figures, many of which were gifts that she treasured. Now living here in the desert, she decorates her cactus plants, and so she found it in her heart to donate her growing collection of snowmen. She hopes that some new collectors may find them fun and “Cherish them as [she] did for many years.”
A 50/50 Raffle was held as well with the proceeds going to the First Way Pregnancy Center.
Whether you were looking to do a little shopping for Christmas gifts, walking and browsing, or taking time to sit and have a baked good, this bazaar was simply one of the best ways to get into the fall mood. If you have previously missed it, mark your calendar for next fall, so come check it out. All in all, it is a very cozy way to spend the morning with “holiday vibes”. On behalf of the The Seton Ladies, Julianne Kramer, would like to “Thank all parishioners, guests and Seton Ladies members for all their help and support.”
