HARVEST BAZAAR
Trinity Church Lansingburgh hosted its annual fundraiser
While the event is a fundraiser, its other main purpose is to expand the church’s relationship with the community.
TROY, N.Y. » Trinity Church Lansingburgh hosted its annual Harvest Bazaar on Saturday, welcoming the community for shopping, food, raffles and more.
The bazaar, held at the church’s parish hall in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood, featured a variety of items for sale including next-to-new attic treasures, handmade crafts, holiday decorations and baked goods.
While the event is a fundraiser, its other main purpose is to expand the church’s relationship with the community, said Rev. Dr. Desmond Francis, who serves as rector at the church. “It’s not for profit’s sake - it’s more community life, sharing gifts and having a sense of visibility within the community.”
Additionally, “It’s an opportunity for church members to express their gifts and their talents,” Francis said.
In the church’s Holiday Shop, parishioners Sue Dippo and Elida Dillon were selling handmade items created by themselves and some fellow crafters.
This group prepares for the Harvest Bazaar all year long, making inventory for the next holiday season. “It takes about a year,” Dippo said. “We purchase our supplies in the fall, and then we work all winter and spring creating.”
Their products include crocheted blankets, knitted winterwear, wreaths, ornaments and other home
decor.
Whatever they are making, “They do it from their heart,” said one customer who shops there every year.
“We do have a lot of fun putting things together,” Dippo said.
The Harvest Bazaar is a longtime fall tradition for the church, and it requires a lot of planning each year from all that are involved.
“It’s a labor of love,” said Beth Roy, one of the church wardens.
“Everybody pitches in, and we all do the same things every year,” said parishioner Betty Jane Johnston. “We’re like a well oiled machine.”
The event typically draws a large crowd throughout the day, including many returning shoppers. “We do see a lot of the same people year after year, which is nice, I really like that,” Roy said.
Proceeds from the Harvest Bazaar will help in Trinity Church Lansingburgh’s outreach efforts, including community meals, the food pantry and meeting the basic needs of the community and the church.
Unsold items from the Harvest Bazaar are donated to the Eastern Rensselaer County Community Warehouse, a nonprofit reuse center in Melrose
In addition to the bazaar, the Holiday Shop will be open during the church’s upcoming Free Community Spaghetti Supper, as well as after service each Sunday through Nov. 10.
The Free Community Spaghetti Supper, is scheduled for 5 to 7 p. m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the Trinity Church Parish Hall at 585 Fourth Ave. in Troy. The meal will i nclude spaghetti and sauce, bread, salad and dessert.
More information about Trinity Church Lansingburgh and its other upcoming events is available online at www.trinitychurchlansingburgh.org.