MMPC Bazaar planned this Saturday
By Donnie A. Lucas
A sure sign that the holiday season is near, the annual bazaar hosted at Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church is set for Saturday after a one-year lapse due to the pandemic.
The event has a storied history originating in 1900, missing fewer than a handful of years due to wars and pandemics.
The longtime tradition unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season in Albany.
The doors will open at 10:00 a.m. to the Country Store, with the turkey and dressing lunch starting at 11:00 a.m.
Visitors will notice one big change this year as they arrive at the church, with the Country Store set up on the south church lawn, weather permitting.
“We thought that the Country Store would be more visible to people if it was held out front on the lawn,” Kalico Leech, event coordinator said. “We are hoping that it will draw a larger crowd to the store items we have for sale.”
In recent years, the store was at the back of the church in the youth room.
Proceeds from the bazaar are used for charity and mission projects, mostly local. While almost the entire church family is called into service to pull off the event, it is organized by a ladies group at the church known as the Sallie Matthews Circle.
Another change this year will be the pick up location for to-go orders.
The orders will be delivered at the rear door of the sanctuary on the porch area where a hallway connects the chapel to the educational building.
“We are trying to provide a little social distancing for those want to pick up meals without having to go inside among the crowd,” Leech said.
A featured item at the Country Store this year will be handmade cutting boards with deer antler handles made by a local artisan.
“We have taken pre-orders and sold several, but there will also be some for sale in the store,” Leech said. “We will also have a some canned items such as pickles and jams, along with local honey. We didn’t specify particular items for members to make this year, so it will interesting to see they bring.”
The biggest draw for the store are the baked goods, which will be available including homemade breads, pies and cakes.
There will also be whole cooked tenderloins prepared by George Harvick for sale.
The lunch menu will includes roasted turkey, dressing, giblet gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry relish, and assorted homemade pies for dessert.
Cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Takeout dinners will also be $10 per plate.
The proceeds of the event are used to provide assistance to those in need within the community.
“We want to help anyone with a need who comes to us or is brought to our attention,” Leech said. “Especially during the holiday season, we want to provide assistance for those who’ve had a difficult year or a medical issue.”
She said the program has provided medical or dental care in the past, along with clothing and Christmas gifts for children.
“We have a few charities that we support, but the majority of funding stays right here at home helping the people of our community and county,” Leech said.
