Definition: bazaar. &uot;A fair for the sale of articles, especially for charitable purposes.&uot;

Bazaars probably had their origin in the Oriental marketplaces, where rows of shops and stalls sold miscellaneous goods. Their age is unknown but their popularity is undisputed, especially by those who enjoy wandering through the rows of colorful goods and exotic foods.

Many years ago, churches and other organizations began producing their own bazaars as a means of raising funds for their charitable purposes. Especially popular are the holiday bazaars, which offer the russets, duns and gold objects prominent on Thanksgiving tables, and the red, green and sparkling glitter of the Yuletide season.

Fancy baked goods are a must during the holiday seasons, when homes are opened in lavish hospitality. So, tables of homemade rolls, coffee cakes, multi-layered and frosted cakes are found at every bazaar. Fortunate indeed are those who purchase them to tuck away in a freezer until the festive day.

Unfortunately, bazaars are not nearly so common as in the past. After all, they are a lot of work and the effort that goes into it determines its success or failure. In today’s world, the majority of young women have careers and families, which add up to little time to donate to the making of holiday crafts and the baking of holiday goods.

Cheer up! The Queen of Peace Catholic Women’s Club is holding its 22nd annual Holiday Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Saint Andrew’s Hall, located next to the church on the corner of Dallas Avenue and Washington Street. (Combine visits to the Bazaar with a trip to Kenan’s Mill for a wonderful pre-holiday season day.)

The Bazaar will offer Christmas craft items, such as decorated sweatshirts, Christmas cards, placemats, stockings and banners for purchase.

The bake sale is traditionally one of the most popular aspects of the Bazaar. Doris Molina, Eleanor and Ola Blevins, Catholic Women’s Club members in charge of the baked goods, report &uot;a lot of participation from the whole parish, which is producing cakes and breads.&uot;

They suggest an early arrival for those who want homemade rolls. &uot;They usually sell out quickly.&uot;

The Bazaar is also offering cash prizes of $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25. Other prizes include a handcrafted Afghan, a handmade quilt and a ceramic Nativity set. Donation tickets are available for $1 each or $5 for a book of six. They may be picked up at the church or from any member of the Catholic Womens Club.

Club officers are Frances Vines, president; Bernice Lewis, vice-president and Bazaar chairman; Emily Rust, secretary; and Vera Drain, treasurer.

All proceeds from the Bazaar will be used for the continued renovation and repair of St. Andrewss Hall, which was originally a Masonic Lodge in Cahawba. It was purchased by Selmas Catholic Parish in 1883 and moved down the river to Selma. It once served as a boys school but is now used for parish offices and receptions.