SOMERS — What better way to kick off the holiday season than by enjoying baked goods and seeking out a special piece of holiday decor? For those ready to get the holiday season started, the Ladies Aid Society of Somersville Congregational Church is hosting its annual Holiday Treasures event on Saturday, Nov. 23.
“The annual bake and holiday tag sale has continued for decades, long before I joined the church and society, and will undoubtedly continue for years to come,” said Ruth Putnam, president of the Ladies Aid Society.
The morning features baked goods from many of the society members and a plethora of holiday decor and items donated by community members. Proceeds from the sales benefit the church’s annual budget as well as allow for the purchasing of supplies for the society’s outreach programs. The morning is filled with community and support that benefits both the church and the shoppers.
“Our members are exhilarated by the potential profit and the customers are thrilled by their special finds,” said Putnam. “In just two hours, the baked goods have disappeared and the holiday merchandise has thinned to a quarter. In just two hours, a multitude of people are delighted by the society’s very successful day.”
Part of that success stems from incredible baked goods up for sale, including a range of pies and other goodies. This year, the baking crew baked 118 turkey potpies in four hours to sell at the event.
“Our turkey potpie mission began as a result of leftovers from our church’s community turkey dinners on the Saturday before Thanksgiving,” recalled Putnam. “We no longer have seated dinners, but the vision of the early potpie makers continues on today. Because of their deliciousness, we’ve cultivated quite a potpie following.”
Putnam added that many of the society members are good and even exceptional bakers. For example, Millie Morrill bakes at least 20 pies in addition to other sweet treats for the event.
The Christmas decorations are donated by families and unpacked, sorted and priced by volunteers from the Ladies Aid Society. The process takes about two weeks to complete. At times, the donations will come from families who are clearing out the estates of deceased family members.
“One member, Marilyn Hare, runs the church’s Ye Olde Blacksmith Shoppe. She is a fierce hunter of contributions for both the Shoppe and the annual Christmas sale,” explained Putnam. “This year, she helped clear two estates of passed members. Families often request her assistance and their anxieties lessen when Marilyn hauls away what she wants for the church. Her endeavor this year procured two huge holiday donations, plus all the other donations she gathered for this year’s sale.”
Although the event requires much work and comes with its challenges, like respecting the church space and limited parking, nothing takes away from the excitement the society feels at the start of the event.
“The hearts of everyone involved beat a little faster when we see cars pull up half an hour before the doors open and hear the sounds as a queue begins to form outside the door,” said Putnam. “And like a first pitch or raising a conductor’s baton, the cacophony of our great sale starts at 10 a.m. on the dot. The day, though exhausting, is a happy, fulfilling experience for all.”
The church is located at 22 Maple St. and the event will run from 10 a.m. to noon.
