A Christmas tradition, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Islip hosts a Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon on the first Saturday in December every year. This year, mark your calendar to join in on the fun! Stop by St. Mark’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 and treat yourself to a delicious lunch while shopping for Christmas gifts for the whole family.

Fully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, jewelry, toys, ornaments and craft items will be available for purchase at the Christmas Bazaar, not to mention a wide assortment of raffles. The popular bake table and cookie walk full of homemade treats will return once again, so you can munch while you shop, or give the gift of delicious treats this holiday season.

Don’t miss a special guest appearance from Santa himself between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.!

Hot dogs, chips, assorted sandwiches, desserts and yummy homemade clam chowder—either New England or Manhattan-style—will be available for purchase during the bazaar and luncheon.

The event is sponsored by St. Mark’s ECW (Episcopal Church Women). The group holds regular fundraisers at St. Mark’s to fund community outreach.

“We did cereal fundraising where the parishioners donated 52 boxes of cereal and the ECW matched it to help God’s Provisions Food Pantry,” shared ECW president Robyn LoCricchio, who has been a member of ECW for over 20 years. “We continue to donate to Episcopal Relief Fund, which helps areas which have been hit by devastations. We support a Girl Scout troop, [have] donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, [and] contribute to casserole ministry.”

A percentage of the proceeds from the Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon will provide grant money for future community outreach projects, much to the excitement of ECW members.

ECW members like LoCricchio have witnessed the event grow in popularity each year, with people coming from across Long Island, and even the tri-state area, to attend.

To join in on the festivities, visit St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 754 Montauk Highway in Islip, across from the Oconee Diner. The Christmas Bazaar is held in the office building’s Gathering Place. Bazaar attendees are invited to enter the office building, located at the end of the St. Mark’s driveway, and once inside, go downstairs to the Gathering Place.