There is no shortage of holiday bazaars in Lancaster County, and each has its own distinct personality and inspires the Christmas spirit in its own specific way.

There's a lot to like about Our Lady of Lourdes' holiday bazaar. But perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the event is that it is the church's own.

"I've been a member for over 30 years," said Karen Smith-Kernc, co-director of Our Lady of Lourdes holiday bazaar. "I'm extremely proud of the church, but I'm also proud of the people who go to this church. I'm very comfortable here, and I'm very committed to helping at the church. We want this particular effort to be successful because it's good for the community and our own parish. It is one piece of all the things that go on here."

Local residents will be provided a good taste of Our Lady of Lourdes' community spirit when the church hosts this year's edition of its annual holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, inside its spacious gymnasium at 150 Water St., New Holland. Admission is free.

"We put on Christmas music, and it's festive," said Smith-Kernc. "The vendors are extremely talented, and we've got some interesting things. People can come and just look if they want to. But I'm guessing that when they do, they're going to find things that they like."

Our Lady of Lourdes' holiday bazaar will feature creations from over 40 vendors - artists masquerading as crafters. Those vendors will display their merchandise in 10-by-10-foot spaces and sell their homemade and handmade items like wreaths, magnets, florals, paintings, jewelry, stained glass, Christmas trees, birdhouses and decorative animal figurines.

Smith-Kernc and fellow co-director Colleen Rooney are both contributing members of the bazaar's vendor lineup.

"It's really neat to meet new people and find out about how (the crafters) got started," said Rooney. "You want people to remember the bazaar for the things they bought or sold there."

"I do well at the bazaar because my stained glass is unique," said Smith-Kernc. "Each piece is made individually. But the best part of it for me is building relationships with other artists. I'm interested in what people are creating."

The holiday bazaar will also showcase colorful quilts crafted by a group of local Amish women. Come hungry and enjoy hot and cold food offerings like chicken corn soup, sandwiches, brownies, cookies, potato chips and an assortment of beverages.

The bazaar will be graced by Santa Claus' presence between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and visitors will be treated to a demonstration of precision and inner strength by students from Fletcher's Martial Arts Karate Studio at 11 a.m.

"There are a lot of people from the parish participating and helping," said Smith-Kernc. "We just have a lot of people who raise their hands. They're people who also love their parish."

"Many hands make great help," said Rooney.

Proceeds from the holiday bazaar will go toward resurfacing the church's parking lot, a capital improvement project.

"There are cracks in it, and we know it's going to be expensive," said Smith-Kernc. "It's big, and we know we have to raise money for the future."

The holiday bazaar has grown organically since its inception in 2023. Our Lady of Lourdes also reaches out to the community that surrounds it through a Christmas sing-along, a holiday angel tree, a winter clothing drive, a spaghetti dinner in the spring, an indoor/outdoor yard sale in the summer, a day of bingo at the local American Legion and a St. Patrick's Day party.

"We have a number of things we do that are open to the local community," said Smith-Kernc. "It's a way to be of service. We think we're called to do that."

Home to nearly 1,200 member souls from 500 families, Our Lady of Lourdes was established in New Holland in 1919. The church moved to its current location in 1972.

"We'd love Our Lady of Lourdes to be seen the way we see it," said Smith-Kernc, "as a warm and welcoming parish."

For additional information, go to https://ourladyoflourdesnh.com.