Holy Cross bazaar one big family reunion
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Benjamin Sharp Mary Ann Morse, left, and Donna Cavness, right, display a hand-made quilt that will be one of hundreds of items up for auction at this weekend's Holy Cross Catholic Church Bazaar.

EAST BERNARD - Exquisite homemade quilts. A pink and purple striped girls bicycle. An antique wooden cooler with the Texas A&M logo. A bale of East Bernard grown cotton.

There's something for just about everybody at this weekend's Holy Cross Catholic Church Bazaar.

The annual event, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday at Riverside Hall, features a day-long smorgasbord of games, food, music and, of course, the auction.

It's billed as a "grand" auction, thanks to the variety of choices and the number of items.

Last year, for example, there were 488 items up for bid.

About that many are expected again this year. And that includes everything from a crucifix adorned with a Christmas wreath to a Craig Biggio commemorative baseball bat to a gourmet dinner for eight cooked by the expert hands of Rev. Donald Ruppert.

"We have a nice array of items," said Doris Brandes, chairperson of the auction committee.

"That's the big money maker," added Donna Cavness, church secretary.

Raising money is at the heart of the bazaar. Every dollar that's raised is utilized by the congregation for such things as improvement projects and equipment upgrades.

"This is our only fund-raiser," Cavness said.

"It all benefits and goes toward a good cause," Brandes added.

Funds are also raised through a 103-prize raffle, cake walk, game booths and food and beverage sales.

In addition to concession style munchies, the bazaar also offers barbecue brisket, chicken and sausage meals for $7 a plate.

The meals, which will begin being sold at 11 a.m., include all the trimmings, as well as a generous portion of homemade dressing - a bazaar favorite.

"Dressing is our calling card," Barbara Michalec said.

Food is not the only thing the bazaar is known for. Unique games for the youngsters are also a big hit. That includes a pony ride, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall and rides aboard a camel named "Patrick."

Music is another highlight. The Texas Legacy Czech Band will perform from noon to 3:30 p.m., the Dujka Brothers will take the stage from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and No Limit will round things out from 6 p.m. until closing.

Past bazaars have attracted hundreds of visitors, and this year's organizers are hoping for a similar turnout.

Having a chance to meet and greet others in the community is an added benefit of the annual event.

"It's also about everybody getting together and getting along and enjoying the time together," Cavness said. "The fellowship of it is another big thing."