Posted on Monday, 10.15.12

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Falling for Festivals

It’s our annual guide to holiday bazaars, pumpkin patches and all things autumnal. Proceeds go to good causes. Start shopping!

October

Central Presbyterian Church 16th Annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival:

Thousands of pumpkins featuring unusual hybrids and gourds, with a harvest setting for family photos. 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., daily through Oct. 31. Proceeds benefit church missions, youth ministry and children’s programming. A free Fall Festival will be 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 28, 12455 SW 104th St., Miami. www.cpcmiami.org.

Little Farm Pumpkin Patch: Free pony rides with purchase of a pumpkin. Make a scarecrow, carve a pumpkin, pet the animals, ride a pony, walk through the butterfly garden, take family photos. A dollar from the sale of the first 500 pumpkins will go to the Prader Willi Syndrome Association. 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Free. Runs through Nov. 1. 13401 SW 224th St., Redland. 305-258-3186. www.thelittlefarm.us.

Miami Lakes United Methodist Church 15th Annual Pumpkin Patch: Over 2,000 pumpkins. Watch deliveries at 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Patch open daily 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. through Oct. 31. Students needing service hours can help. Call 305-821-7274. Baked goods and decorative gourds for sale. Free. Craft show is 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Oct. 27. The Fall Festival with pony rides, face painting, and rides is 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., Oct. 27, 4800 NW 67th Ave. Miami Lakes. 305-821-7274. www.miamilakesumc.net.

Polish American Club of Miami Annual Food Festival: Enjoy dancing and fun with music by the Swingables Band and a DJ. 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Oct. 14, 1250 NW 22nd Ave., Miami. Free admission. Polish and American food available for purchase. 305-635-2240.

Christ The King Lutheran Church 43rd Annual White Elephant Bazaar: Housewares, collectibles, jewelry, toys, books, clothes, linens and furniture. Also enjoy a lunch and silent auction. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 19-20. 11295 SW 57th Ave., Pinecrest. 305-667-1250.

Christian Life Mission Church Community Bazaar and Flea Market: Clean out your garage and/or shop at this first annual event 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Oct. 20, 14105 SW 184th St., Miami. Also scheduled are music, fun, games. Call Ana for a space, 786-277-4304.

Citizens for a Better South Florida Afternoon with Nature: Food, beverages, tours and entertainment starting at 1 p.m., Oct. 20 at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne. Tickets $50 for members, $60 for non-members, $25 for children under 16. Available at www.abettersouthflorida.org or at the door. Free parking if tickets bought in advance. Parking $5 day of event.

Kendall United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival: Pumpkin patch open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily until Oct. 31. Bake sale and crafts booths. Fall Festival is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Oct. 20. 7600 SW 104th St., Pinecrest. Booth space for $35. 305-667-0343.

Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School Fall Festival: Food, games, vendors and fun. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Oct. 20, 602 NE 96th St., Miami Shores. For vendor information send e-mail to assistant@mspcs.net. 305-759-2548.

Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center Scholastic Book Fair and Pajama Party: Kids up to age 13 will love storytelling, free snacks, pizza and a bounce house. Free. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Oct. 25, 20400 NE 30th Ave., Aventura. 305-937-1880, e-mail info@atjc.org.

Mother of Christ Harvest Festival: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Oct. 25; 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Oct. 26; Noon – 11 p.m., Oct. 27; 1 p.m. – 10 p.m., Oct. 28, 14141 SW 26th St., Miami. 305-559-6111 or 786-497-6111.

South Miami Lutheran Church Annual Community Holiday Flea Market: Over 50 vendors. Children’s entertainment. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oct. 27, 7190 Sunset Dr., South Miami. 305-665-2562.

November

Blessed Trinity Fall Festival: Visit for fun, arts and crafts, games, food booths, and rides. 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Nov. 1; 6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Nov. 2; noon – 11 p.m., Nov. 3; noon – 7:30 p.m., Nov. 4, 4020 Curtiss Pkwy., Miami Springs. 305-871-5780.

Westminster Christian School Holiday Marketplace: Jewelry, hostess gifts, food items, personalized gifts. Free. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Nov. 2, at the high school concourse at Westminster Christian School, 6855 SW 152nd St., Palmetto Bay. Vendors contact Becky Guilford at bguilford@wcsmiami.org or 305-235-4560.

Coral Gables Museum Mercato Italiano in the Piazza: The Societa’ Dante Alighieri presents a free, traditional outdoor Italian style market featuring vintage products, art and food hosted by the Coral Gables Museum. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. 305-529-6633 or lisadenunzio@bellsouth.net.

Fulford United Methodist Church Fall Bazaar: Home-baked goods, handmade holiday decor, plants, Country Store, face painting, massages, kids’ corner, and lunch for purchase. Proceeds benefit local and worldwide missions. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nov. 3, 1900 NE 164th St., North Miami Beach, 305-945-3505 or fulfordunited@bellsouth.net.

St. Basil’s Church Rummage Sale: White Elephant table of interesting items, a lot of gently used clothing, shoes, homemade baked goods, and small appliances. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Nov. 3-4, 1475 NE 199th St., Miami. 305-651-0991.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Swap Meet: Gather up goods for sale or come to shop from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nov. 3, 10700 SW 56th St., Miami. Vendor spaces are $25. Call 305-271-3171 or 305-223-4650.

Miami Country Day School 17th Annual Holiday Bazaar: Jewelry, clothing, home accessories, stationary, sports memorabilia, kitchenware, personalized items. Food court for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 6, in the school’s gym, 601 NE 107th St., Miami. 305-779-6773.

St. Thomas Episcopal Parish Church Annual Bazaar: Children’s clothing, jewelry, homemade jams and baked goods, handmade crocheted bags from South America, leather goods, hand-painted pillows and runners, personalized Christmas ornaments, handmade girls’ bows, stationery. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Nov. 7 at 5692 N. Kendall Dr., Coral Gables. Proceeds go to church outreach programs. 305-661-3436.

Santa Barbara Catholic Church Family Festival: Food, rides, arts and crafts, face painting, homemade food from many countries, holiday gifts and decorations. 6 p.m. – midnight, Nov. 8; 4 p.m. – midnight, Nov. 9; 2 p.m. – midnight, Nov. 10; 9 a.m. – 11 p.m., Nov. 11, 6801 W. 30th Ave., Hialeah. Free parking and admission. 305-556-4442.

First United Methodist Church of South Miami Bazaar: The 13th annual bazaar includes homemade crafts, fall and holiday wreaths, gifts and a new/used market. Hot dogs on the grill, homemade baked goods. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Nov. 10, 6565 Red Rd., Coral Gables. 305-667-7508.

Grace Lutheran Church International Christmas Bazaar: Shop for many different gifts, food items and specialty Fair Trade coffees. Proceeds go to help craft workers from developing countries. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Nov. 10, 254 Curtiss Pkwy., Miami Springs. 305-888-2871.

Old Cutler Presbyterian Church Arts and Crafts Festival: Local artists and crafters, food by Sports Grill, and Flips Country Kettle Corn, a coffee bar, and music. Free admission. Proceeds go to church ministries. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Nov. 10, 14401 Old Cutler Rd., Palmetto Bay. Booth renters call 305-332-8834.

Temple Beth Am Holiday Bazaar: Shop at over 40 vendors with holiday gift items and more. 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Nov. 14, 5950 N. Kendall Dr., Miami. Free admission. 305-667-6667 ext. 122.

Miami Lakes Garden Club Fall Craft Show: Holiday items and decorations, arts and crafts items, vintage jewelry and accessories, and a holiday plant sale. Food items also for sale. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Nov. 17, 15151 Montrose Road (NW 82nd Ave.), Miami Lakes. Vendors may call 305-815-4782 or e-mail miamilakesgardenclub1965@gmail.com.

Temple Beth Or Holiday Bazaar: Items include jewelry, ceramics, candles, plants and orchids, clothing, children’s accessories and other specialty gifts. Local artist Carlos Pereira will offer his works. Homemade baked goods and raffle tickets for sale. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Nov. 18, 11715 SW 87th Ave., Miami. Vendors may call 305-235-1419.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Holiday Fair: A Ferris wheel, games and prizes, food trucks, arts and crafts, holiday merchandise and a visit from Santa Claus, 12 p.m. - 11 p.m., Nov. 23, and 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Nov. 24-25. 4020 Virginia Beach Dr., Miami. Two nights of Magic on the Bay will feature “The Lobster Feast Under the Stars” Nov. 23, and “Noche Tropical” Nov. 24. A pig roasting competition is open to the public on Nov. 25. Proceeds will benefit local children’s charities and the park. Entry is free, vehicle entry is $6, unlimited rides fee is $25. 305-960-4600 or www.virginiakeybeachpark.net.

December

First Church of North Miami Congregational Holiday Fair: Shop for jewelry, knickknacks, art objects, collectibles, crafts, Christmas decorations and books. Food and baked goods for sale. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Dec. 1, 1200 NE 135th St., North Miami. 305-891-5286.

Kendall Presbyterian Church Craft Fair: Find all kinds of gifts. The fair is open to the community and vendors. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dec. 1, 8485 SW 112th St., Miami. Call 305-387-1950 or send e-mail to mermaidlore@att.net.

New Covenant Presbyterian Church Annual Christmas Bazaar: Household items, Christmas gifts, dresses and shoes. 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dec. 1, 4300 NW 12th Ave., Miami. Vendors are welcome for $25 per booth. Place orders for dinners by calling 305-633-1880 or 305-638-0794.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Annual Christmas Bazaar: Shop for homemade baked goods and desserts, gifts, and arts and crafts. Raffle and food court. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Dec. 1, and from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dec. 2, 11291 SW 142nd Ave., West Kendall. If interested in being a vendor for $65, or $12 table rental, contact Lucy, 305-408-9935.

Silver Palm United Methodist Church Bazaar: Handmade items, a bake sale, produce, plants, jelly, and a “scoop lunch.” 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dec. 1, 15855 SW 248th St., Homestead. 305-247-3769.

Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom Holiday Bazaar: Jewelry, handbags, ceramics, housewares, gifts, accessories. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dec. 2, 9400 SW 87th Ave., Miami. Vendor tables are available. $100 for the first table, $50 for each additional table. 305-595-1500 or 305-338-1535.

Pinecrest Gardens Holiday Festival & Gift Bazaar: More than 50 artisans selling gifts, actors, singers, musicians, choirs, Hanukkah festivities, puppeteers, food, a model train display, picture-taking with Santa, children’s activities, holiday tree lighting. 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest. General admission is $5; free for children under 2. 305-669-6990.

Killian Pines United Methodist Church Craft Fair: Shop for all kinds of holiday gifts. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Dec. 8, 10755 SW 112th St., Miami. Free parking. 305-595-2878.

City of Hope White Elephant Sale: Proceeds benefit City of Hope research in cancer and other childhood diseases. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dec. 9, Arlen Clubhouse, 350 Bayview Dr., Sunny Isles Beach. Donate your items any Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., before Nov. 29 at Arlen House Library, 300 Bayview Dr., Sunny Isles Beach. 954-432-3996.

By Christine Mayo

Special to The Miami Herald

Key Biscayne resident Ivonete Leite loves everything Italian. She just got back from a trip to Verona, Italy, where she was immersed in the language and culture. So of course she would visit the new Mercato Italiano at the Coral Gables Museum.

Her surprise was that she would find vintage glasses for serving Limoncello practically in her own backyard.

Fall bazaars, craft fairs and pumpkin patches are like that. You show up and just never know what you’ll find.

Veronica and Michael Elias of Kendall found the tiniest perfect pumpkin for their new baby Lilly, just 3 weeks old, at the pumpkin patch at Central Presbyterian Church in Kendall.

“I’ve been coming here since I was 11 years old,” said the new dad. “It’s the only one around here. We like to take pictures.”

The church brings in pumpkins by the truckload. The Rev. Kim Kavazanjian, associate pastor, said the funds raised for the last 16 years of pumpkin-selling go toward the Deacon’s Pantry to help feed hungry families, and also to the children’s learning center at the church. About 6,000 pumpkins are delivered and sold.

“We like that it’s a service to the church and the community,” she said. “People bring their children and their dogs to take pictures.”

Everyone is invited to see the pumpkins, some as large as two feet across, some green and bumpy, some white with orange veins.

“Some of these look like they’re from outer space, the ones with all the knobs,” said volunteer pumpkin-seller Cissi Holzborn, a member of the church. “The swan gourds are my favorite.”

Just down the street, at the St. Luke Episcopal Church Flea Market, 12-year-old William Lamey was watching over his Pokemon cards and figurines. The seventh-grade student at St. John Neumann Catholic School had already sold “a ton of Power Rangers for 50 Cents each.”

“One lady came by and bought them all,” William said. His mom, Rita Lamey, said William was very motivated to sell and had gotten up around six in the morning for the flea market. The money he makes from selling his old toys will go toward a new iPhone 5. “My dad said if I pay for the phone, he’ll pay for the plan.”

Nearby, Carol Forsythe, a soprano in the St. Luke’s choir, was selling avocados and Jamaican patties and pastries. She and sopranos Molly Williamson and Jewel Ffrench have done all of their church’s fairs.

“It’s always a joy to be up early,” Forsythe said.

The bazaars and fairs will continue into December. Shoppers who also find joy in being up early can find jams, jellies, vintage clothes and shoes, plants, appliances, home-baked breads, antiques, jewelry, candles, holiday wreaths, toys, and games.

At the Pinecrest Gardens Holiday Festival in December, there will be a model train display, a holiday tree-lighting and more than 50 artisans selling gifts. Proceeds from most of the bazaars go to help others, and that’s as good as any reason to go.

The St. Thomas Episcopal Parish Outreach program will divide its bazaar funds between the Homeless Assistance Food program and Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Little Havana. At the new Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Holiday Fair in November, there will even be a pig-roasting competition.

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