WILBRAHAM — On, Nov. 22, The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors will be holding their popular Holiday Bazaar for the 15th year, where guests can expect to shop from a wide variety of crafters specializing in anything from jewelry to wood burning art.
The event run from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. inside the Wilbraham Senior Center, located at 250 Springfield St.
The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization that has been supporting the needs of area seniors since 1985. Their mission is to provide area seniors with resources they might not be able to have otherwise, either through the senior center’s programs or financial support.
For the first 13 years of fundraising, their main goal was to fund the construction of the Wilbraham Senior Center. This year, all proceeds are going toward the programs the senior center offers, according to Corresponding Secretary Dee Mitchell.
The event in 2024 was the first in the Senior Center and was met with outstanding attendance. They expect to take what they learned last year to enhance this year’s experience, such as improved aisle widths.
Mitchell emphasized the variety throughout the 33 vendors at this year’s event and ensures there is something for everybody. Items include pottery, handmade soaps, pet products, crochet art, metal and iron work, hand built clocks, maple syrup and freeze-dried food items. The Old Post Road Orchestra will also be there, playing holiday tunes for shoppers ,and LifeCare’s famous meatball grinders will be available to purchase for lunch.
Included this year as well is a bake sale with homemade goods and a range of raffles with larger prizes, such as gift cards, an air fryer or four tickets to the Providence Bruins and Springfield Thunderbirds game on Dec. 6 in Springfield. All prizes have been donated to The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors.
The bazaar is for all ages and includes multiple programs for children to enjoy. Santa Claus will make a special appearence from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and children are encouraged to write and bring in their wish lists for Santa to read. Mitchell previously made an appearance as one of Santa’s elves.
Much like last year’s event, children’s story time will be provided. Miss Deb will read various children’s and holiday stories in the Senior Center Cafe from 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m. Mitchell stated that Miss Deb is expected to read a book about why you can’t have a penguin for a pet, written by one of the bazaar’s participants. The book will also be on sale.
This year, The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors are adding a special project in collaboration with Project New Hope, an organization dedicated towards healing, resilience and purpose among veterans after military service. They’re looking to “stuff the Senior Center’s van” with gifts for newborns to age 17 that will all be donated to children of area veterans involved with Project New Hope’s Jeepers Christmas Program.
Mitchell is calling for families to donate to this worthy cause and help make the holidays a little brighter for everyone. Gifts can either be wrapped or unwrapped, and they should include a label stating the age range and genders associated. Mitchell and The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors are also looking for volunteers. Those interested can contact Mitchell at 413-363-1037. Positions include setup on Nov. 21, tear down on event day, assisting crafters in move in/move out, parking attendants and collectors for the toy/gift donations.
