A Christmas tradition 68 years strong is going virtual this year.
Court Street United Methodist Church's annual Christmas Bazaar is typically held each year at the church in downtown Fulton, where shoppers can peruse offerings from local craftspeople. This year people are still welcome to browse - they'll just have to do it through glass or on their computer screens.
"We started out greatly reducing the scope of it and planning to have only limited numbers of people in the Fellowship Hall at one time," event chair Diane Ludwig said. "Then COVID got worse and we decided 10 days ago to go from on site to online. (It's) new territory for many of us!"
This year's decor, including wreaths, centerpieces, wall hangings, gift items and more, are currently arrayed in the Callaway Bank window on Court Street. More than 60 items are on offer - though no mini-pies or other edible goodies will be sold this year due to the format change and ongoing pandemic.
Ludwig said most of this year's items were created by three dedicated church members who donate supplies and time.
"We have a room in church that's a craft room," she said. "They work there through the summer. They'll go to Michaels and places like that, buy stuff on sale. They have the most wonderful array of bows."
If you spot something you like, jot down the number on its label and visit courtumc.org/2020-christmas-bazaar-shop to view pricing information and other details. To purchase an item, call 573-642-4664 between 9 a.m.-8 p.m. each day until Dec. 13. Items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and may be picked up after Dec. 5.
Ludwig said it's hard to give up an in-person bazaar this year, when so many church members look forward to it all year 'round - but it's worth it to protect the health of shoppers and volunteers.
"We've held 67 on-site events and we regret we cannot greet folks at the church for the 68th," Ludwig said. "We are going online to stay safe."
She hopes for a return to the regular format next year, for the 69th bazaar.
"This year, as I'm telling people, we just have to do things differently and it's okay," she added.
As in years past, proceeds from the Bazaar will support Court Street UMC's mission work, including their two programs benefiting the local community: Baby Grace, which provides diapers, baby clothes and other items to parents in need, and Food Pantry at Court Street. According to the church, the food pantry provides an average of 65 families with food each month, while the Baby Grace program distributes an average of 1,176 diapers per month.
Small Business Saturday
This isn't locals' only chance to shop for Christmas gifts.
Local "you-pick" berry farm Danamay Farms will be open for Small Business Saturday this weekend, 8 a.m.-noon (4091 County Road 210, Fulton). The farm produces blueberries, blackberries and honey. Though berry season is long over, they'll be offering jam, beeswax candles, honey and lotion bars, along with handcrafted wooden items.
GoPo - the gourmet popcorn bar at 525 Court St., Fulton - is also participating in Small Business Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The building will also host pop-up booths from clothing boutique Olive + Grace and digital photo booth company Redlight Photobooth.
Serenity Valley Winery, located just outside Millersburg at 1888 County Road 342, has planned its first-ever "Kris Kringle Christmas Market" from 4-8 p.m. Visitors can see Santa, enjoy live music and drink mulled wine and hot chocolate while browsing booths hosted by local craft and specialty vendors. Masks are required while inside Serenity Valley's large event tent, though not outside.
Down the road at Jones Farm Home Auto (4405 State Road J) visitors can enjoy free coffee, popcorn and other goodies, along with special deals, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Other local businesses may be offering Small Business Saturday deals as well - visit or call your favorites to find out.