A sizeable crowd turned out last Saturday for the holiday bazaar at Cedarville United Methodist Church, Laurelwood Road, Pottstown PA.

POTTSTOWN PA – Local churches and charitable organizations want to help western Montgomery County consumers get a head start on their holiday shopping, with bazaars, fairs and shows that offer a variety of crafts, foods and other goods. The following is a list of what The Post has been advised is open this weekend (Nov. 12-14, 2010) and in weeks ahead.

• As a service to both our readers and organizers, The Post is publishing this list every Wednesday through the end of the 2010 show season … whenever that may be. Got an appropriate event to add?; e-mail details to The Post.

Be aware: most events start early in the morning and end by mid-afternoon. If you’re going to several in one day, plan a route accordingly.

Saturday, Nov. 13

Vendors of hand-crafted products are still being sought for the first of what is expected to be an annual holiday craft fair, to be held Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Pope John Paul II High School, Rittenhouse and Township Line roads, Royersford PA. For more information or to request an application, contact Beth Hiriak, the school’s director of advancement, at 215-370-9549 or by e-mail.

The Bethel United Methodist Church annual Christmas bazaar will be held Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church, 952 Bethel Church Rd., Spring City PA. It features a variety of crafters, an attic room, and a bake table with jellies and canned goods. Lunch service will be available. For more information, call 610-495-6807.

Centennial Evangelical Lutheran Church has scheduled its 18th annual Christmas crafts festival for Nov. 13 at the church, 1330 Hares Hill Rd., Kimberton PA. For more information, call 610-933-1528.

Sunday, Nov. 14

A holiday craft fair benefiting the local American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life fund-raiser will be held Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gilbertsville Fire House, Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville PA. Baked goods and lots of creative holiday gifts will be available. For more information, call Angie at 484-614-9758, or e-mail her.

Friday, Nov. 19

The annual Christmas bazaar of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish and School will be held Nov. 19 (Friday) from 4-8 p.m., and Nov. 20 (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the parish grounds, 40 Spring Mount Rd., Schwenksville PA. The bazaar features crafters, local vendors, raffle tables, food and baked goods. Its scheduled entertainment includes a live Nativity, Irish dancing, performances by the school’s students, choir and music groups, family activities, crafts for kids, and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Saturday, Nov. 20

The annual holiday craft fair of the Sanatoga Fire Company, 2222 E. High St., Pottstown PA, will be held Nov. 20 (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fire house. Handcrafted items, baked goods, and cookies will be sold. Lunch also will be served.

A craft vendors fair will be held Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Church of Christ, 4th Avenue and Washington Street, Royersford PA. It includes crafts, jellies, cookies, baked goods, and a white elephant sale. Lunch will be served. Vendor space is available at $25 for a six-foot table, or $20 for those who bring their own tables. Call 610-948-9156 for more information.

A holiday shopping open house will be held Nov. 20 from 2-5 p.m. at Sanatoga Court, 227 Evergreen Rd., Pottstown PA. It will feature Flowers by Dennis, Beijo Bags, Tupperware, Knitwear by Jean, Tom Boy Tools, Perfect Sense Glamour, Elsie P. Jewelry, Thirty One Gifts, Mary Kay, Jockey Person 2Person, Chocolate Obssessed, Avon, and other vendors. Guests can sample a selection of holiday recipes from the kitchen, and gingerbread cookie decorating will e offered as an activity for children.

The annual Christmas bazaar of Immaculate Conception Academy, 903 Chestnut St. (Route 345), Douglassville PA, will be held Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the academy. It features crafts and food sales, and photographs with Santa.

Saturday, Nov. 27

Crafters and other vendors can showcase and sell their products in time for the Christmas holiday at the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Community Christmas bazaar, to be held Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Blessed Teresa Education Center, Swamp Pike and Nieffer Road, Limerick PA. Vendors may reserve a 6-foot or 8-foot table space, with electricity available upon request. For more information, call 610-287-2525.

Photo from Clipart.com