On the second Wednesday of every November for the past 56 years, you can count on the First United Methodist Church having its annual bazaar. The fundraising event for the United Methodist Women is popular with many people in and around Demopolis, as it is a kind of gateway to the preparation of the Christmas holidays.

Held on Nov. 10 this year, beginning at 10 a.m., the bazaar helps the UMW raise money for missions, scholarships and other needs.

“This is our largest annual money-raising event,” said Sherry Malone, this year’s event chairman.

“The whole day — the chicken salad luncheon, the silent auction and the sales at the bazaar — all goes toward our missions and support local causes.”

There are a number of different components to the bazaar, including a lunch that will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Annually, the lunch feeds in excess of 350 people with approximately 400 takeout lunches.

In the silent auction, local residents and businesses donate upwards of 100 items for people to bid on.

“We’ve got lunches and dinners to local restaurants, paintings and photographs from local artists and all kinds of stuff,” said Barbara Hill who has helped coordinate the event.

With the attic treasures, people bring in things that they have at home that they may not use any more that others may find a use for.

In the bazaar itself, items for sale may include lots of Christmas decoration items, baby blankets, Alabama or Auburn paraphernalia, handmade items, casserole carriers, painted items and much more.

In the home accents area, there will be monogrammed items like pillow cases, purses and other things. There will be other crafts and handmade items available as well.

The bake room will also provide all kinds of baked goodies, candies, jellies and other items for every sweet tooth and is one of the most popular attractions to the annual event.

“The bake room is a huge draw,” Monroe said. “You have to get there early because it will sell out and it will sell out fast.”

The annual UMW bazaar heralds the beginning of the Christmas season and serves as a great place to buy Christmas decorations, Christmas presents and other items.