Grace United Church’s festival market filled the sidewalk near Main Street on Saturday, Aug. 30, and drew locals and tourists to a revived silent auction and bake tables that support programs and keep the church active.
The long-running market at the downtown church raised funds through donated goods, preserves and a silent auction brought back for the first time in years. Church organizers said the event is important as a gathering point for neighbours and visitors while helping sustain the church’s work in the community.
Gail Martin, silent auction lead and vice chair of the church council, said the bidding table’s return was a simple decision once volunteers were in place.
“I resurrected that. I haven’t had that running for several years but now it’s very popular,” said Martin.
Volunteers assembled baskets and practical items from community donations for the auction, with a buy-it-now option to speed purchases. The bake tent and the congregation’s well-known jams drew steady traffic, with organizers adding e-transfer payments to make checkout easier.
Pauline Miller, chair of the church council, said the bustle on the floor follows months of unseen preparation.
“While it looks lovely, there’s an awful lot of work behind the scenes that goes into it,” said Miller.
Organizers said turnout was steady through the day, helped by clear skies after last year’s late-summer storm cut into sales. A small team delivered flyers to hotels to reach visitors looking for local activities, which helped bring tourists through the doors alongside regulars
“The advantage of having it right out on the sidewalk is it brings people, and then you say, ‘Oh, there’s more stuff inside,’” said Miller.
Beyond sales totals, Miller said the market is about fellowship for volunteers and a familiar stop for repeat customers who look for Grace United’s preserves and baked goods. She noted the event also tests new approaches that keep the tradition going as volunteer capacity shifts.
“As our congregation ages, it becomes more difficult to find people,” said Miller.
The church’s central location makes it an easy drop-in for events and has led some newcomers to attend Sunday services. Martin said the doors remain open to anyone curious about the church or its programs.
“We are open to anybody that would like to come out and just visit,” said Martin.
Grace United plans to host its Christmas baskets sale in November.
