This holiday season, consider visiting and patronizing a church bazaar. The money you spend and the gifts you purchase contribute to the small-town holiday experience.

Church bazaars are a tradition that bring in the gift-giving season. These events do much more than put shoppers in the spirit of the season; they also help sustain their host churches. The money the churches bring in is crucial to the operating budget.

The 44th Christmas in the Country bazaar and craft show will be held at Church of the Apostles, 1850 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event, which usually draws more than 1,000 shoppers, will feature more than 30 carefully selected vendors and crafters.

Types of items that may be purchased at the bazaar and craft show will include wreaths, jewelry, artwork, knitted items, photographs, holiday and seasonal ornaments, and more. The Apostles Crafters will offer items that have been handmade through the past year.

Prepackaged food, including homemade soups, pies, sandwiches, and beef barbecue, will be available for purchase in a bustling food court.

"I am most looking forward to seeing many regular customers who we have not seen for two years," said Clara Kosmela, bazaar supervisor. "People should attend the bazaar because it gives them an opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts for others or decorations for their home. It also gets you in the Christmas spirit."

There is no charge to attend Christmas in the Country, and there will be parking available at the church. Attendees will be required to wear masks, which will be available at the church. Crowd movement will proceed in one direction through the building, and the number of people who enter will be limited due to COVID-19 precautions.

For more information, readers may visit https://apostlesucc.org/bazaar or call the church office at 717-392-5718. Vendors wishing to be part of the show can contact Linda Eaton at 717-393-0274.