Holiday bazaar tradition returns to Holyoke on Dec. 7

Nov. 25, 2019 | Sarah Heinonen
sarah@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE – A tradition that embodies the giving spirit of the holidays is returning to Holyoke on Dec 7. After a one-year hiatus, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 410 Main St., will once again be hosting their Holiday Bazaar.

“It started as a fundraiser for us to be able to help with all our missions that we support,” said Sharon Konstantinidis, one of five members of the church’s Ladies Group, who organized the event for the eighth year with the help of the parish.

The church works with several charities in and around Holyoke, including Kate’s Kitchen, Margaret’s Pantry, an alternative educational program called The Care Center and Operation Homecoming, which helps veterans transition to independent living. It also distributes warming kits to homeless veterans.

Konstantinidis said they try to keep the proceeds within the Holyoke community, however, they also work with Metropolis, a program that supports initiatives such as UNICEF and global medical care programs.

Konstantinidis said that 100 percent of the proceeds go to mission work, and that is what makes their bazaar different from other holiday fairs.

“It’s not for the church to pay its bills, it all goes to the needy,” Konstantinidis said.

Visitors to the bazaar can shop for jewelry, home decor, art, knitted and holiday items. For those who come to eat, there will be plenty of Greek food, including gyros, spinach pie and baklava.

In addition to the shopping and food, Konstantinidis said there is a lot of fellowship experienced at the bazaar. She said at least 120 people come each year so they can talk and socialize with people they may not get a chance to at other times.

Admission to the bazaar is free and there is ample secure parking available.

Last year, Konstantinidis said the church’s hall was being renovated and it was unable to host their bazaar. This year, she hopes people will enjoy the renovated church. At 102 years old, she said it is one of the oldest Byzantine churches in the United States.

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