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St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church hosts Christmas Bazaar

The Longboat Key church sold baked goods, crafts and decorations galore.


  • By Nat Kaemmerer
  • | 6:33 p.m. November 14, 2021
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in many places, but the prettiest sight to see was the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 13. 

Father Pick's donations

Mary Elizabeth Carey staffed a table full of the late Father Edward Pick's possessions, from figurines to books and of course, St. Bernards. Parishioners and attendees were encouraged to take what they wanted and give a donation in return. All the money would go to a Catholic school in central Florida that Pick wanted to support.

The morning started with a large crowd that ebbed and flowed throughout the day as attendees filed in to check out handmade ornaments, decorations, gifts and baked goods, as well as many secondhand items. Barb Sikora, who was keeping an eye on the wreath section, said she had to replace purchased wreaths quickly to keep the wall populated with greenery. 

Parishioners and others made cheerful conversation as they got into the mood for Christmas cheer. Decorations were a popular purchase, though handmade baby gifts like hats and bears found their way into baskets as well. 

 

One of the late Father Pick's St. Bernards greeted guests.
One of the late Father Pick's St. Bernards greeted guests.
Festive homegoods were everywhere at the bazaar.
Festive homegoods were everywhere at the bazaar.
A long table was well-stocked with baked treats, which buyers snacked on soon after buying.
A long table was well-stocked with baked treats, which buyers snacked on soon after buying.
Vanda Soper drops a raffle ticket in.
Vanda Soper drops a raffle ticket in.
Bonnie Schneider and Barb Sikora
Bonnie Schneider and Barb Sikora
Mrs. and Mr. Santa Claus — er, Gayle and Chuck Sobieck
Mrs. and Mr. Santa Claus — er, Gayle and Chuck Sobieck
Many of the late Father Pick's possessions were available to interested parishioners for a small donation.
Many of the late Father Pick's possessions were available to interested parishioners for a small donation.
Marlene Campanaro, Sally Keyes, Mary Cialkowski and Cindy Keyes
Marlene Campanaro, Sally Keyes, Mary Cialkowski and Cindy Keyes
The wreaths had to be replaced several times throughout the morning.
The wreaths had to be replaced several times throughout the morning.
Peppermint mice were available for $1.
Peppermint mice were available for $1.
Many of the late Father Pick's possessions were available to interested parishioners for a small donation.
Many of the late Father Pick's possessions were available to interested parishioners for a small donation.
Maggie Oberst, Lilia Mahoney, Catherine Costello, JoAnn Sifuentes and Chris Gooderham
Maggie Oberst, Lilia Mahoney, Catherine Costello, JoAnn Sifuentes and Chris Gooderham
Tom and Donna Bennett
Tom and Donna Bennett
Tom and Donna Bennett were selling nature prints, relief dye jobs made from natural shapes.
Tom and Donna Bennett were selling nature prints, relief dye jobs made from natural shapes.
Seasonally appropriate jewelry was for sale.
Seasonally appropriate jewelry was for sale.
Jordan Keller and Vickie Brill
Jordan Keller and Vickie Brill
Hand-knitted hats and bears were a hit.
Hand-knitted hats and bears were a hit.
Pre-decorated trees were one of the big-ticket items.
Pre-decorated trees were one of the big-ticket items.
Myriam Haddad, Nancy White and Jane Vorel
Myriam Haddad, Nancy White and Jane Vorel
Handmade ornaments, courtesy of one volunteer's Cricut machine, sold as well.
Handmade ornaments, courtesy of one volunteer's Cricut machine, sold as well.
Carol Fischbein, Clara McGonigle, Elaine Cichon and Mary Martin
Carol Fischbein, Clara McGonigle, Elaine Cichon and Mary Martin
The entire parish hall was filled with Christmas.
The entire parish hall was filled with Christmas.
Gloria Lionetti, Donna Pettinato and Sandy Finnegan served coffee and treats to volunteers.
Gloria Lionetti, Donna Pettinato and Sandy Finnegan served coffee and treats to volunteers.

 

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