Almost $9,000.00 Raised at Annual St. Nicholas Bazaar

Published Dec. 16, Bruce Peninsula Press

Many thanks to all those who attended and those who helped in any way with the St. Nicholas Bazaar, held on Nov. 29. The bazaar, a beloved annual Tobermory event, featured countless rustic treasures created by Northern Twisted Roots, more than twenty vendors, a resplendent bake table, a café, crafts, a silent auction and a delicious soup-and-pizza lunch. It’s such a major event and requires so much coordination, but with much hard work and planning, the Tobermory Community Centre is transformed into a festive delight, filled with neighbours catching up. The bazaar is a major fundraiser for Tobermory United Church, and this year raised almost nine thousand dollars!

Two years ago, Tobermory United hosted the first Christmas with Peninsula Musicians concert, a fundraising event for the Golden Dawn featuring some of the brilliant musical talent in our area. The 2025 rendition of Christmas with Peninsula Musicians will occur Thursday Dec. 18 at 7:00 p.m. and will feature Brian Taylor and Bluesky Day, Beige McIntosh, Trio Infernale (Dominik Franken, Robert Franklin and Dan Corcoran), Janet Whittington, Rod Layman and the Tobermory United Church choir. A carol sing will be part of the evening, and there will also be a time for fellowship and refreshments. This is always a beautiful evening for all ages. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going toward the Golden Dawn rebuilding fund.

On Dec. 19, Tobermory United offers a Longest Night service at 7:00 p.m. This is a special service of quiet and calm in a season that is often way too busy. It is a time to light candles, breathe deeply and absorb solace. The service is created with those who are weary or grieving in mind, but it’s also a sacred time to stop in the midst of it all and experience the quiet beauty of the Tobermory United sanctuary at night. All are welcome.

Christmas eve will be celebrated at 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 24. In this service, we will hear the Christmas story and with large wooden figures, create a nativity scene on the church chancel. It will also be a time to hear age-old carols and sing “Silent Night” by candlelight. In a world where so much is uncertain, it is good to come together and acknowledge the ancient and present desire for hope and peace.

Tobermory United is blessed to be part of such a dynamic and thoughtful community. May this season offer hope, peace, love and joy to all.

Judy Willson staffs a table at the St. Nicholas Bazaar