Come to the Olde Salem Craft Bazaar, and you never know what you might find. "We always have such an eclectic mix of vendors - a children's author, blacksmith crafts, jewelry and ornaments, pour painting, award-winning chili, Mary Kay rep. We have something for everyone," said Denise Bollinger, bazaar team member. The bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, in the social hall at the rear of Historic Salem United Church of Christ, 324 Walnut St., Columbia.

Craft items are handmade by church members, said Hilary Smith, bazaar team member. "It's always a nice variety of fall and Christmas items and a lot of gift items," she said.

New this year, the bazaar will feature local children's book author Shelleen Weaver, who will be selling and signing the first three books of her "Fruit Fables" series. The stories use the adventures of talking animals to discuss the godly character traits Paul talks about in Galatians 5:22-23, known as the "fruit of the spirit."

Along with vendors, the bazaar will feature giveaway baskets showcasing a variety of themes, including Pennsylvania sports teams, kitchen and household goods and family night out/family night in, Smith stated. "We also have local gift cards to Columbia and Wrightsville businesses," she noted.

Lots of food will be for sale at the bazaar as well, Smith said, including pretzel sandwiches, hamburger barbecue, stuffing balls with or without gravy, hot dogs with or without sauerkraut and baked goods, including peanut butter balls, cheesecake, cookies and mini apple pies. Chicken corn soup, bean soup and tomato bisque soup will be featured. "Our soups are a big hit," Smith remarked. "We usually sell out." Homemade chili will be available to go. All other food items will be available for eat-in or takeout.

Proceeds from the bazaar will be used for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the church property, Smith said, noting that the church currently has a few big projects in the works.

Pictures of craft items and giveaway drawing basket items are available at http://www.historicsalemucc.org or may be found on the church's Facebook page by searching for "Historic Salem United Church of Christ, Columbia PA." The church social hall may be accessed from the Burning Bridge Antique Market parking lot, 304 Walnut St.