As if the summerlike weather was not enough of a treat, Ebenezer United Church of Christ had its annual bazaar in the church basement on Oct. 16.

The event gave local residents even more of a reason to come out and shop before the rain rolled in.

There was something for everyone: a basket raffle, hand-stitched quilts, food and one-of-a-kind treasures for all ages and interests.

“A lot of people who are members of the church donated the baked goods,” Judy Shellhammer said. “They usually come through with soups and things like that.”

The baked goods table was overflowing with everything from shoofly pie to cheesecake to seasoned pretzels.

Another area featured potted plants in a display of vibrant greenery that attracted folks, including Brittany Mitchell, who was visiting from Lancaster.

“I like that someone has grown these beautiful plants from their own cuttings,” she said. “I just hope I don’t over water this beautiful aloe vera.”

A few feet away, Mike Schock was busy serving food to hungry customers.

“Business has been very good,” he said. “I just showed up to help.”

Though it was an uncharacteristically warm day, soup was a best seller.

Chicken noodle soup, southwestern chili, sausage corn soup and seafood bisque were all on the menu.

Hungry patrons could also snack on hot dogs, barbecue and cabbage and noodles.

In the large main room of Ebenezer’s church basement, tables beckoned customers with unique finds from toys, to lamps, to glassware.

Raffle tickets for 28 individual baskets were also available for purchase.

“Business has been pretty steady,” said Jan Maurer, one of the cashiers.

According to church member Susan Christ, women of the church will be the beneficiary of the bazaar sales.

She said that in the past, proceeds from the bazaar went to lights and windows.

In the future, floor repair and painting top the list.

Going forward, Ebenezer’s calendar includes a number of events.

“The committee is starting to make candy for sale at Christmas,” Christ said. ”There’s also a huge queen sized quilt for homecoming at the church.

“Diane Di Martino, Rosie Wuchter and Janet Hansut meet every Monday in the quilting room to work on it,

“We’re honoring the 50th confirmation at Ebenezer on Nov. 7. Tickets for the quilt will be drawn on that day.”

Orders for tempting goodies that include peppermint bark, nonpareils, and peanut clusters are due by Nov. 7.

Cheryl Handler-Rex is the contact person for the candy sale.

Ebenezer’s Clothing Closet continues to be available to shoppers two days each month 6-8 p.m. on the second Thursday and the following Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

Everyone is welcome to browse and shop.