Rockford bazaar planned Dec. 2

Small-town living still exists in Rockford, just 15 miles south of Spokane Valley, and you can get a taste of it Dec. 2 during the annual Christmas bazaar and luncheon. Held at Rockford United Methodist Church, 211 S. First from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will include a white elephant room, crafts and handmade gifts, collectibles and baked goods.

Area crafters and members of the church drop off items the day before the bazaar. “We never know what we’re going to get,” said Pauline Larson, “the Christmas items usually sell out first, and the baked goods are very popular.”

The bazaar has been going on for about 60 years, beginning with dozens of women who called themselves Ladies Aid from 1928 to 1941, then Women’s Society of Christian Service until 1972. Now called United Methodist Women, 11 members remain but their goal to raise money for local and world missions is the same.

Larson, a member since 1956 and current president, makes apple butter, snack breads and mincemeat for the sale.

“There was a time when 30 or 40 women were involved. It was a good time to socialize. We did, after all, live in the country,” she said. And while the group now is smaller, the workload is not. Besides organizing and setting up the event, the women also do much of the baking and canning, as well as preparing the food for the luncheon: a turkey casserole, salad, roll and dessert. They plan to serve about 60 guests. Lunch costs $5 and will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“This is a small town deal, with small town people, but we do quite well,” Larson said of the bazaar, which in the past has raised more than $2,000 a year.