The members of St. Peter Catholic Church are a creative bunch, whether it's cooking or crafting, and the public gets to benefit from that. The church will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Parish Center at Second and Union streets, Columbia.

"We have some excellent seamstresses and crafters in our parish," noted Claire Storm, who is helping to organize the bazaar. "We will have a variety of handmade items and themed gift baskets, and we'll have a white reindeer table, with new or slightly used things for sale."

On Sunday, a full-course baked penne with meatballs dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The dinner may be enjoyed on-site or taken to go. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at the church office.

"The meal will be created by some of the Italian families in our parish, so it will be good, authentic, Italian food," Storm said, noting that members of the Loreto family, famous locally for their "gravy" or pasta sauce, are among the parishioners. "I know people will enjoy this meal."

A variety of baked goods made by members of the congregation will also be available for purchase.

Beginning at noon on Sunday, the youth choir, under the direction of Carole Bitts, will entertain. People will be encouraged to sing along to Christmas carols.

St. Peter Catholic Church has held the bazaar for more than 30 years, Storm said. It is sponsored by the Parish Council of Catholic Women, with assistance from the men of the parish. Proceeds benefit a variety of organizations, including Our Lady of the Angels School, the Madonna Plan, A Woman's Concern and Water for Life.

"The bazaar is far enough ahead of Christmas that people can find something for people on their Christmas list, whether it's something handmade or something from the white reindeer stand," Storm said. "People come back to the bazaar year after year, and they always enjoy it."