Alberta MCC Relief Auction and Bazaar
The MCC Relief Auction and Bazaar is a celebration of what God has done for us, and an opportunity to be a part of MCC's "Service in the name of Christ". Not only is the Sale an avenue of response to world need, it serves as a wonderful place for friends to get together in an atmosphere of celebration. It has become a homecoming event where acquaintances are renewed annually.
The first Alberta MCC Auction and Bazaar was held in Coaldale in 1975. In the early years Coaldale hosted the sale every other year. Later Tofield held the Auction on alternate years. In the past 10 years the sale has rotated between Coaldale, Sherwood Park and Didsbury. The Sale is organized by local Mennonite churches, but many people from other churches, as well as community members, also participate every year.
The main feature of the weekend is the Auction. People from all over the province have been busy for months preparing articles that will be sold to the highest bidder. Quilts, comforters and wall hangings make up a significant part of the auction. Other items include many beautiful wood crafts, paintings, and other handcrafted articles. Special features have included an antique car, a 1925 Ford tractor, a Flames jersey and many more unique items, such as steel bookends made from recycled materials.
Food is a very special part of the celebration. A Friday night supper draws large crowds who enjoy the roast beef BBQ. Also creating lineups are the bake tables which feature a wide variety of excellent baking, including Mennonite ethic foods. During the Saturday auction, many food booths offer such traditional foods as vareneki and sausage, borscht, moos, watermelon and roll kuchen, as well as papusas, tacos and spring rolls.
The 1975 Sale brought in about $63,000. In 2007 about $190,000 was raised to help support the relief and development programs of MCC. We are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this arm of service.
Written by Alice Klassen, (March 2007)
