St. John the Baptist Catholic Church hosted its annual tricky tray Feb. 17 in the church’s social hall at Ruch and Chestnut streets, Stiles.

Planning Director Jennifer Marx said she was pleased with the steady stream of patrons attending the well-stocked basket raffle. About 300 baskets were provided for the raffle. The baskets needed to have a value of at least $25 for the basket to be entered into the tricky tray. Numerous baskets had gift cards, some of which carried a $100 value.

Maryanne Seagreaves sold tickets to day-of attendees, while Lisa Trenge distributed the pre-purchased tickets. They cheerfully greeted attendees upon arrival.

The aroma of food emanating from the kitchen permeated the hall and surely stimulated an urge for attendees to check out the menu items. The kitchen team, including Michelle Molchany and Diane Fritts, was busy serving hungry patrons.

The menu included turkey and hamburger barbecue, sausage with peppers, turkey, chicken soup, hot dogs with kraut or chili sauce, cabbage and noodles, bread filling, pierogies, halupkies and homemade baked goods.

Monica Bachman and her daughter, Holly Lotti, with her children, Eden and Kade, enjoyed their time at the tricky tray. Jim and Dan Yellen, a father and son from Northampton, worked their way through the social hall and decided which baskets to bid on.

Tricky trays were popular during the 1950 and ’60s. Then referred to as Chinese auctions, today, the names tricky tray, penny social or basket social are used more commonly.

A palpable spirit of good feeling was evident among attendees and volunteers as the tricky tray event allowed people to get out, mingle in a positive social setting, partake in good food and have some fun.