Community members gathered at the Congregational Church of Middlebury (UCC) to celebrate the 100th annual Holiday Bazaar, which ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Since 1924, the Holiday Bazaar has been a cherished tradition at the UCC, drawing generations of locals from Middlebury and across Addison County together in the spirit of community and celebration to support the church.
Associate Pastor at UCC Rev. Elizabeth Gleich highlighted the significance of the Holiday Bazaar in an email to The Campus, describing it as more than just a sale.
“The Holiday Bazaar has been a cherished tradition for over 100 years,” Gleich said. “It’s a community-building event that draws people from across Addison County, many of whom look forward to it each year. While they come to find unique items at good prices, they also appreciate how the church opens its doors to everyone.”
Long-time attendees of the Bazaar remarked on how, despite the changing displays and various tables each year, the event retains a comforting sense of familiarity that marks the start of the holiday season. The Bazaar has offered similar items year after year, preserving a tradition that community members have come to cherish, according to reporting by the Addison Independent.
“Each table was managed and supplied by church members who donated their time, talents, and goods,” Gleich said. “Every item for sale was a donation from friends and members of the church. We estimate that more than 60 people contributed to making this year’s Holiday Bazaar a success.”
Each year, the Bazaar is typically split between the two levels of the church. This year, visitors who entered the first floor of the fellowship hall immediately encountered a holiday marketplace, transporting visitors into a winter wonderland. The garden table, overflowing with donated plants ranging from Amaryllis to various seasonal species, was a vibrant centerpiece. Toward the back, children’s tables offered puzzles for two dollars and a selection of stuffed animals. Church members also contributed baked goods, which were available for purchase.
The second floor of the fellowship hall featured a wide array of handcrafted items, including blankets, jewelry, scarves and a gently used book sale. A highlight of the event each year is the church’s raffle, and this year, attendees had the chance to win a 91” x 81” quilt titled “Round About.”
This is the church’s sole fundraiser each year and all of the proceeds go to supporting the ministry, according to Gleich.While she was unsure of the exact number of guests in attendance, Judy Jessup, co-chair of the Bazaar, said it was a success.
“We had a steady flow of people at both entrances from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event was well received by both the church community and the wider Addison County area, and the weather was cooperative too,” Jessup said in an interview with The Campus.
The church itself was established in 1790 as the Church of Christ in Middlebury, and throughout its history has been active in the community. Today, the church remains operational with nearly 300 members and continues to engage in worship and community service. It is part of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a denomination formed in 1957.
The Middlebury UCC is located on 30 North Pleasant Street off of Main Street, and students are encouraged to get involved in the many different activities and events in the church, regardless of religious affiliation.
“Students can get involved in many ways — by attending our Sunday morning services, our monthly Taizé service on the 4th Sunday at 4 p.m., or by volunteering at our Friday Night Community Supper,” Gleich wrote. “They’re also welcome to assist with Children and Youth programming, join the choir, or participate in Adult Study Programs. We’re a very active church, eager to welcome people of all ages!”
Mandy Berghela '26 (she/her) is a Senior Local Editor.
Mandy previously served as a local editor and staff writer. She is a Political Science major with a History minor. Mandy serves as co-president for Southeast Asian Society (SEAS), a member on the Judicial Board, and an intern for the Conflict Transformation Collaborative. In her free time, she enjoys cycling and reading fantasy novels.
