Tunnel Hill residents ready for bazaar

Published 12:00 am Friday, November 3, 2006

Now 92, Alberta Gowin remembers joining Tunnel Hill United Methodist Church as a teenager.

And she recalls going to the church’s women’s club’s bazaar where she and friends sold things like homemade pickles.

“I can’t do that anymore,” said Gowin, whose son Kenny is the mayor of Tunnel Hill. “But (the bazaar) gives me the opportunity to go there and buy different types of jellies and preserves that I use in my Christmas giving.”

On Saturday, you can expect to see Gowin again during the Tunnel Hill United Methodist Women’s 32nd annual bazaar, which will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tunnel Hill United Methodist Church. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and canned preserves, cakes and other baked goods, jellies, arts and crafts, and other items will be for sale.

The event is held each year to raise money for local mission projects such as a food pantry and the Salvation Army.

“We’ve got a women’s group that really has a heart for our neighbors,” said the Rev. Mike Shearon, the church’s pastor. “They have a genuine concern for our neighbors. This is one thing they enjoy doing. They pour themselves into it.”

The event has been successful every year because of the diligence of the women in the church, according to Judy Lusk, the president of the women’s club.

“They’ve always enjoyed so much being a part of the community,” Lusk said. “They’re all very involved in the community.”

Approximately 30 to 40 women from the church volunteer for the bazaar every year, Lusk said.