MAGNOLIA SPRINGS, Ala. — St. John the Baptist Catholic Church will hold its annual Country Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8 a,m, to 7 p,m., and Sunday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Altar Sodality, proceeds will benefit Sodality parish activities and outreach ministries.

While it lasts, bowls and quarts of St. John’s regionally famous Creole gumbo will be sold during the event. The word gumbo is derived from the Central Bantu African word “kigombo” which means “okra.”

“Oh, yes, okra is a major ingredient and the main thickening agent in gumbo,” says gumbo expert Margie Leon, “but, great gumbo starts with fresh crab and shrimp — and, of course, the roux. It’s the most essential ingredient. You brown the flour in grease, never butter, until it’s the perfect nut-brown color. My mother taught me the secrets of her gumbo and I’ve passed them along to my daughter.”

The Craft Sale features many one-of-a-kind items including baby’s pillowcases, hand-made aprons, assorted wreaths, Christmas decorations, and knit scarves plus a wide variety of other items just in time for your holiday shopping. Need sweets for Thanksgiving? The Bake Sale will offer cakes, pies, cookies, candies, homemade preserves and breads.

A Bingo Marathon will be called from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday with hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, refreshments — and gumbo, while it lasts — available.

St. John the Baptist, one of the oldest parishes in Baldwin County, is located off Baldwin County 26 West in Magnolia Springs.

For more information, contact Wanda Tyson in St. John’s office: (251) 965-7719 (after 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday).