WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — St. Al’s Annual Bazaar continued Friday at St. Aloysius Church in Wilkes-Barre, bringing food, games, live music and other activities to the parish grounds.
The event featured traditional bazaar food, including potato pancakes, homemade pierogies, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, french fries and cheeseburgers. Other attractions included games, bingo, a flea market, a beer tent, a Squishmallows stand, a dime pitch and ring toss.
Father Richard J. Cirba, pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish at St. Aloysius Church, said the bazaar has been held for close to 50 years and has become a longstanding community tradition for people in South Wilkes-Barre.
“It’s really almost like a homecoming. A lot of people come home to be with their families and reminisce about old times. It really makes people feel good and brings people out. Maybe some people who live nearby can’t get out to certain things, but they can walk here. So it really is a good thing for the people,” said Cirba.
Cirba said volunteers had been preparing for the bazaar since the beginning of June. He also credited parishioners, donors and sponsors with helping support the entertainment and other costs associated with the event.
Proceeds from the bazaar support the church’s operating expenses and financial stability. Cirba described it as the parish’s biggest fundraiser and said it grosses well over $100,000 on average.
The bazaar will continue from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday at 143 W. Division St. For more information, visit the parish’s Facebook page.