WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A summer staple here in NEPA, the church bazaar.
How one local church is thriving in part because of community support.
In a time where many churches are closing or consolidating, one church is thriving, and their bazaar is proof of that.
28/22's Avery Nape was at the celebration for much of the evening.
Summer thrills at Camelback’s Mountain Adventures
The Saint Nicholas Saint Mary Parish bazaar kicked off Thursday in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
And with the crowds it drew in Friday, it's safe to say people could not get enough and are happy to support this congregation.
The games, the food, and of course the community.
Day two of the the 54th annual bazaar at St. Nicholas' Church kicked off Friday evening in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Hundreds of people made their way through the rows of tents with their friends and family. Some came for the potato pancakes, some came for bingo, but others were just there for the people.
"It's awesome, especially for people we don't get to see all the time. People come in from out of town, so getting everybody together and seeing everyone in one spot is pretty great," voiced Ashley Dunn, Volunteer Coordinator, St. Nicholas/St. Mary Parish Bazaar.
"It's nice to come here because you see everybody just come together to these gatherings to have a bunch of fun and stuff," added Gio Roman, Dallas.
The church's pastor, Father Joe Verespy, says this gathering may be the largest church bazaar in our area.
He says the support the community has shown the church through the years, has been insurmountable.
"They come because they really want to support the church. They love the church, they love the food, they like to be together. We have a good time," said Father Verespy.
While many churches have struggled with attendance in recent years, Father Verespy says the diverse community St. Nicholas' has fostered, has been crucial to their continued success.
"The influx of people from the Spanish population, that certainly gave us a jolt of new life," explained Father Verespy.
Some new food options too.
The bazaar features all the classic Polish and German dishes NEPA natives know and love, but also an entire tent dedicated to Hispanic and Caribbean foods.
There really is something for everyone, but the one thing that keeps this bazaar going?
"It's the tradition. You have to keep the tradition alive and yeah, we work so hard to keep that going," revealed Dunn.
The final day of this year's bazaar will be running Saturday from 4:00 p.m. To 10:30 p.m. with live music starting at 7:00 p.m.
