Adam Bramburger
Editor
Catholic life is steeped in tradition. Liturgy, sacraments, feast days, and fasting are a way of life. At St. Patrick’s Church in Napanee, another occasion has become a fixture on the calendar each year come the fall.
On Saturday, the Catholic Women’s League held its annual Harvest Bazaar. Around the outside walls of the rectory basement, vendors offered a selection of colourful wares for sale. Separate tables offered fresh baking, crafts, preserves, and other goods. On one side of the hall, silent auction items donated by parishioners and local businesses were piled high and there was also a draw for grocery hampers.
In the centre of the room, guests were treated to coffee, tea, and sweets while finding an opportunity to socialize with parishioners and guests.
Margie Peters, the president of the local Catholic Women’s League says she can remember coming to the bazaars in her own youth and is excited to see the practice continue.
“It’s tradition. My mother used to go to the bazaar and it used to be over the New York Cafe, then I think it was over the Superior Restaurant. It’s been in existence for, I’d say, probably 70-80 years.”
Peters said there was “a wonderful crowd” this year, particularly in the morning.
While the bazaar is a social time, she indicated it’s also a time for people to help out. All of the proceeds collected from the event go back into the Catholic Women’s League for disbursement for charitable causes.