There Will Be Something For Everyone At Church's 24th Annual Bazaar

CARROLLWOOD, FL — The Gasparilla Celebration has invaded the 24th annual Forest Hills Presbyterian Church Holiday Bazaar for the first time.

The event, open to the public free of charge, will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct.21, at
the church 709 W. Linebaugh Ave. Much of the merchandise was created by crafters, furniture
refinishers, and gardeners who give their time and talents to create holiday decorations,
restore furniture and grow house or yard plants for the bazaar.

“We are adding Gasparilla decor as people have asked for it. This year we have created a big pirate ship," Jennifer Gregory, the church’s craft coordinator, said.

Other items — collectibles, antiques, jewelry, books and games — are donated. The
church’s Larrick Fellowship Hall will be lined with crafts and other items and have homemade goods for sale.

Outside will be a large garden area with the plants and garden décor.

“Donations come not only from church members but also from shoppers,” Gregory said.
“One of the biggest donations of items came from a shopper. And this might be the nicest selection of antiques we have ever had. The donation really elevated our Antique Attic,” she said.

Gregory said a popular section from years past — the New and Nearly New Boutique — returned
last year and will be offered again this year. Many items in the area are still in their original
packaging.

“It was huge success last year. We knew it would be as people are really looking for nice,
affordable items,” she said.

The church’s Cub Scouts will have an outdoor booth with fresh vegetables for sale.

The church also will have a hospitality tent for the first time with lunch items available as “people
have asked for a place to sit and have a cup of coffee or eat something from our sweet shop,”
Gregory said.

Proceeds from the bazaar, which has raised as much as $30,000, are given as grants to local
nonprofit organizations and missions of the church.

“I know there are so many groups that count on us," Gregory said. "We try to give to groups that
$500 or $1,000 really means something.”

For volunteers who work months helping prepare for the bazaar, the weekly work sessions also
mean friendship and sharing.

Craft volunteer Sharon Ulrich of Tampa Palms, a retired nurse, has been involved for 10 years.

“I enjoy the camaraderie with the ladies. It is just a nice close atmosphere,” Ulrich said. “And
somebody always can teach you something.”