What exactly is a Bazaar, besides a word describing utter ridiculousness? Which, at *my* first RI Bazaar, I rather thought was an appropriate word to describe said festivities. Pizza strips, for example, were *quite* bizarre, and they aren’t how they sound. I thought something was wrong when they brought out the strips with only sauce on top and no cheese; turns out, this is a Rhode Island staple, and I ruined it by pouring copious amounts of shredded cheese on the cuisine that everyone else understood. I couldn’t help it, I’m a small, “born in Wrentham, MA” baby. Some other things that stood out to me at my first Bazaar were the huge gift boxes, ranging from popcorn, a Netflix subscription and a cozy blanket, to antique thrifted items from well, “bizarre” stores that I had never heard of. If you’d like the experience for yourself, I’ve included some Bazaars happening around Providence and Rhode Island.
First up, we have the St. Raymond’s Church Bazaar at 1210 North Main Street, Providence, happening on Saturday 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the church hall. As with my first bazaar, it includes a ‘cash raffle, gift/basket raffle, crafts, knitted items, baked goods (seriously, go to a bazaar if only for the baked goods, you won’t regret it), penny social, Christmas wreaths and greenery. This bazaar also has a Unique Boutique and hot food, soft drinks and coffee. What else could you need?
Next, we’ve got the Snowflake Bazaar at Mary Mother of Mankind Church, Parish Hall. The address is 25 Fourth Street in North Providence RI, and the dates are Saturday November 8: 9 am to 6 pm. Santa will arrive 10:30 am-1:30 pm, so definitely bring the kids for fun photo ops and sneakily listening in to find the perfect gift this holiday season. If you missed Saturday, don’t worry- they run Sunday too, from 10:30 am-1:30 pm. This bazaar also includes a street market area, food, jewelry, a children’s table, raffles and more!
The PVD Artisans Market Holiday Premiere is yet another Bazaar featuring over 95 artists, who make a variety of handcrafted products, such as jewelry, pottery and clothing. Happening November 14th from 10 am to 4 pm, expect food trucks, paintings, glass and sculpture, all happening under one roof of the Providence Waterfire building.
Finally, if you’re low on wrapping paper this holiday season or just want to check out some new designs to switch it up, check out Saylesville Friends Meetinghouse’s Holiday Bazaar at 274 Great Road, Lincoln, where you can find all sorts of crafting supplies: yarn, fabric craft knits, beads, papers. For the new crafters, check out how-to books and DVDS. This event also includes Christmas novelty items, but is mainly a crafting fair on Sunday, November 2nd!
So before switching over to Thanksgiving, get some Christmas shopping done with a Providence staple and celebrate the chilly season with crafting, Santa visits, warm hot chocolate, and of course, pizza strips. You’re sure to have a ‘bazaar’ time!