On the second Wednesday of every November for the past 57 years, you can count on the First United Methodist Church having its annual bazaar. The fundraising event for the United Methodist Women (UMW) 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. 9 this year, beginning at 10 a.m., the bazaar helps the United Methodist Women raise money for missions, scholarships and other needs.

“This is our largest annual money-raising event,” said Glenna Drinkard, this year’s event chairwoman.

“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 beginning at 11 a.m. Annually, the lunch feeds in excess of 350 people with even more takeout lunches.

In the silent auction, local residents and businesses donate upwards of 100 items for people to bid on. Up for bids this year are four tickets to the Alabama/Georgia Southern football game, a Vera Bradley bag, a weekend getaway at a local hunting lodge, free gift wrapping of all Christmas presents from the Mustard Seed, original works of art and much more.

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 has always been one of our most popular things,” Drinkard said. “If you want baked goods, you better get here early.”

Drinkard noted the afghan raffle typically raises in excess of $1,000 alone and that this year’s goal was to raise $20,000 overall through the bazaar.