It was a shopping spree, luncheon and friend and family reunion all rolled into one as the First United Methodist Church hosted its annual Women’s Bazaar Wednesday.

Visitors felt as if they were in a personalized mall as they browsed among handmade crafts, baked goods and garage sale items.

The Craft Room featured items such as denim “pants” purses and ornaments of all shapes and sizes. Guests showed each other items and chuckled over many, such as the dust mitt that was fashioned like a hand, including an attached fashion ring.

Next door, in the Attic Treasures room, items that were one man’s trash were perused by others who viewed them as treasures.

Probably the most popular room was the Baked Goods Room. The name was a bit misleading, as notes posted around the room reminded hungry hunters to also check out the fridge and freezer sections.

Goodies from casseroles and brownies to souffl/s and cakes, were available, many branded by the cook’s name – necessary if one wants to repeat the good food.

Though not new this year, the silent auction was still a big part of the day.

“This year it’s even bigger and better than last year,” Martha Griffith, church member, said. She reviewed a list of items up for auction that was printed on an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper.

“We filled up the front and back, and still had more (items) come in after we printed that up,” she said.

The list included everything from ladies sunglasses to a handmade cedar chest, made locally by Mark Riffe. More than 60 items were available for auction, and the items lining the wall led to probably the two most special tables there.

On one end of the long, narrow hall was the witness table, with books – for both children and adults, ornaments and other spiritually inspired gifts. At the other end of the hall were trinkets and carvings made by and for missions supported by the church.

Shoppers could then take a break and enjoy a chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwich lunch either at the church or for carryout to take with them.