This is our largest craft bazaar to date," said Pam Hoffman, president of the Pleasant View Communities Auxiliary, describing the community's annual event. "Expect 80-plus talented vendors who have produced handcrafted items from art to woodworking," she added, noting that vendors and customers have expressed their appreciation for the event.

The craft bazaar will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in both the Kreider Farms Cultural Center, 547 N. Penryn Road, Manheim, and the main Pleasant View building, 544 N. Penryn Road.

More than 100 tables will be set up with pottery, stained glass, watercolors, paper crafts, jewelry, cards, quilts, knitted items, kitchen baskets, tote bags, pet supplies and more. Hoffer Farm alpaca wool from the community's farm will be for sale as well.

While many vendors come from the surrounding community, residents at Pleasant View also contribute to the craft bazaar.

"Skilled-care residents made handcrafted items that include bracelets, bookmarks, watercolor paintings and other homemade crafts," shared Kara Miller, rec therapy coordinator.

Food for sale will include chicken corn soup and beef barbecue, made by auxiliary members, as well as hot dogs, Herr's chips, desserts and beverages. Soup by the quart will be available to purchase beginning at 2 p.m. until sold out. Hearth and Harrow, the on-site restaurant, will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hoffman said this year's bazaar promises to be bigger and better than ever.

"The Kreider Farms Cultural Center is an amazing addition to our layout and expands our use of the beautiful campus," she remarked. "There is ample parking, and we can provide transportation between buildings as needed using our low-speed electric transport vehicle."

The auxiliary helped purchase the electric vehicle for Pleasant View, and residents are currently being trained to be volunteer drivers throughout the year, providing rides from one part of the Pleasant View campus to another, including the Manheim Community Library, which is adjacent to the cultural center.

"Esther's Collectibles Thrift Boutique will be open during the craft bazaar, and there will be door prizes," Hoffman said, noting that three prizes will be awarded for the on-site thrift store, Hope Served and Hearth and Harrow. "The auxiliary will be selling our 70th anniversary cookbook showcasing our history."

Proceeds from the event will benefit residents at all levels of care.

"The auxiliary has donated $15,000 to benevolent care this year to support residents who can no longer pay for their health care," Hoffman said. "Additionally, funds support the purchase of amenities and enhancements to improve the quality of life for residents." Along with the electric vehicle, auxiliary funds have been used to purchase woodshop equipment, fitness equipment, benches and more.

"The auxiliary's mission is to inspire and support the lives of all residents by providing passionate Christ-like services that address their spiritual, physical, social and emotional needs," Hoffman said.

Many community partners support the craft bazaar, including premier sponsor Interior Fancies. Other sponsors and donors include AssuredPartners, Herr's, Stauffers of Kissel Hill and Wegmans. Kitchen volunteers at Ruhl's Church provided expertise, support and use of the church's professional kitchen to prepare the soup and barbecue.

"The craft bazaar brings a variety of people of all ages together to celebrate community," Hoffman said. "(It) is a family-friendly event with lots of great food in a beautiful environment, and we welcome all into our community. We are very excited about the range of vendors who will be selling their handcrafted work. Additionally, Esther's Collectibles Thrift Boutique has received an outpouring of beautiful merchandise. We hope people will come, eat, buy and enjoy the surroundings."

For more information, visit https://pleasantviewcommunities.org/events.