11th-annual extravaganza set for Feb. 9 at Blessed Sacrament

WINTERSVILLE -- The 11th-annual St. Vincent De Paul Valentine's Craft Extravaganza will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the parish social hall, Sargus Hall, at 852 Main St., Wintersville.

The event consists of local artisans with baked goods, candles and a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry and decorative wood items.

A kitchen featuring homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts will be available for patrons to dine in or get carryout. The event also will include a drawing for vendors' unique products with all items available for sale to festival guests.

"This event offers an opportunity for the community to come together to support the local craftspeople as well as St. Vincent De Paul," noted Linda Freed, event coordinator.

"It is a perfect time to buy or sell that special gift before Valentine's Day and help support St. Vincent De Paul," Freed said. noting a full hall of vendors translates into patrons able to find "something for everyone."

St. Vincent De Paul is a ministry of the Catholic parishes of Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of Lourdes. The extravaganza, which started in 2010, is the only fundraiser held annually for the ministry which operates a food pantry and distributes free food to qualified households in the Wintersville and Bloomingdale areas.

The money raised at the craft extravaganza is used to purchase food. Elane Renzelli, ministry director, said the group provides well balanced and nutritious meals for each person who calls for the distribution the third week of each month. In 2019, the group also gave out Easter food baskets and candy in addition to the Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and children's Christmas gifts.

For information about the extravaganza, contact Freed by phone at (740) 264-6539 or by e-mail at dolcepizzelles@aol.com

St. Vincent De Paul information is available by calling (740) 264-9547.