Published: 11/18/2021 4:40:40 PM
BUCKLAND — It all started with a quilt.
About 30 years ago, members of the Mary Lyon Church’s Monday Nighters quilting group decided to raffle off one of the quilts they’d made to raise money for church expenses. Factor in the gradual addition of potholders, table runners, Christmas tree skirts and an eclectic mix of other handmade items and you have the Silver Bell Bazaar.
“They started putting on bazaars for the Mary Lyon Church and it just kept going,” said Conway resident Janet Gerry, whose mother, Edie, was one of the founders of the Monday Nighters. “It’s not just craft items, but things like baked goods and a nice lunch.”
This year’s Silver Bell Bazaar will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, located on Upper Street, as well as in the nearby Buckland Public Hall. Masks are required.
According to Rowe resident Cyndie Stetson, who has been involved in organizing the bazaar for six years, at least 13 vendors will sell their wares, herself and Gerry included. Stetson will offer a beach-themed table, and Gerry sells prints by Buckland artist Robert Strong Woodward (1885-1957). Other offerings include jewelry, used books, raffles and a silent auction, and groups like the Buckland Historical Society and Buckland Union Cemetery Association staff tables.
“Our really nice handcrafted items bring people back every year,” Stetson said. “And the luncheon is a big draw.”
Money raised through the Silver Bell Bazaar supports maintenance and day-to-day expenses at the church. According to Stetson, the event has raised as much as $4,000 in previous years.
The buffet luncheon, offered downstairs in the church, is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Food includes corn chowder, baked beans, meatballs in tomato sauce, chili, macaroni and cheese, roast beef in gravy, stuffed turkey rolls, coleslaw, pickled beets, three bean salad, chop suey, vegetables, chips, quick breads and pie.
Reach Shelby Ashline at
413-772-0261, ext. 270 or
sashline@recorder.com.