Annual Bells and Bows Bazaar draw a crowd

Event Organizer Chris Webber & Volunteer Megan Blair holding some fresh  Holiday Arrangements. (Kyrah Smith Photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

On Nov. 22, the Ingersoll Services for Seniors was fully dressed for the season as it welcomed the community to its annual Bells and Bows Bazaar. Continuing what has become a theme in Ingersoll these past few weeks, the event saw an impressive turnout.

“It was busy this morning,” beamed event organizer and decorator Chris Webber with a smile. “By 8:30, it was lined up almost halfway down the road.”

Running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bells and Bows remain one of the centre’s key fundraisers. This year’s bazaar featured a Silent Auction, Baked Goods Table, Fresh Greens, Dasher’s Deli, Santa’s Attic, and Artisan’s Alley. “We have local businesses donate to our 12-day silent auction, we ask people to bake; everything is donated,” Webber explained.

With 50 local donors representing a variety of shops and services, the halls of the centre were filled with enthusiastic holiday shoppers and longtime supporters.

“I’m in charge of Fresh Greens,” Webber added. “On Thursday we had some ladies set up in the dining room. We made around 60 arrangements, and within the first hour today we were nearly sold out.”

A new addition this year was a community quilt project. One member donated the supplies, another assembled the quilt, and all proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald Organization, an effort that added a sweet touch to the festivities.

Webber also extended heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers whose energy and dedication make the bazaar possible. “It’s many hours they put in. Absolutely couldn’t do it without them,” she said.

The Ingersoll Services for Seniors has plenty more seasonal events underway, including a Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser happening every Wednesday until Dec. 17. For more information on upcoming programs, you can visit the centre’s website at https://ingersollseniors.com/.