Pumpkin pickin': Halloween and fall events in Miami-Dade
Fall is in the air. And that means pumpkin patches, craft fairs and bazaars filled with everything from one-of-a-kind crafts, homemade baked goods, handmade jewelry and holiday décor, plants, art and collectibles, and even fossils and gemstones.
At the Ultimate Bazaar, held by the Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami Barton Ravlin Chapter, merchandise will include designer clothing, handbags, shoes, on trend accessories, limited edition plates, children’s clothing, sporting goods, and more.
Michele Locicero, the bazaar event co-chair, said boutiques and shops have been generous with their donations.
“You won’t be disappointed when you shop with WCA at our Ultimate Bazaar. It’s a win-win for you and our community,” she said.
It is that sense of community that brings together volunteers and shoppers at clubs, schools, temples, neighborhood centers, churches and health centers.
At the Fall Harvest at Deering Estate at Cutler, attendees can play family games like bocce ball and croquet. Kids can make cornhusk dolls and pose for photos by the vintage International Harvester Truck.
Some bazaars have been around as long as anyone can remember like the Fall Elephant Bazaar at Christ the King Lutheran Church and the Silver Palm Christmas Bazaar, where the baked goods and jellies are practically famous.
Most events raise funds for their causes. At the Artisan Craft Bazaar at Brockway Memorial Library in Miami Shores, the money made from quilts, tote bags, pillows, knitted and crocheted scarves and hats benefit the library. The items have been lovingly handmade by the library’s Sewing and Needle Arts group and patrons.
And then there are the volunteers.
Donny Harrington, 11, and his sister Grace, 15, help out every year at the unloading of pumpkins from a semi truck at Central Presbyterian Church in Kendall. Grace has passed pumpkins to pallets, along with about 100 other volunteers, for the last 10 years.
“She can handle any pumpkin,” said her mom Tracy Harrington. “We’re small, but she’s strong.”
Donny, for his part, likes to spread the hay around between the wooden pallets where the pumpkins rest, waiting to be chosen. But Donny said his favorite thing about the annual patch is to find the smallest pumpkin.
“It’s like a tradition. One year I found two stuck together and it was like this high,” he said, holding up his fingers about two inches apart.
The proceeds from the church’s pumpkin patch go toward Habitat for Humanity Miami, the House of Hope, the Miami Rescue Mission and the Deacons Pantry to feed hungry families.
Teen volunteers Zach Traylor and Gabriel Vergara, both 15, said they’ve passed pumpkins weighing up to 30 pounds. Another teen, Leandro Peña, 16, said he likes to volunteer.
“I know they need help and I like to help. I appreciate it,” he said.
When it starts to rain, students in the line keep the pumpkins passing. Girl Scouts from Troop 583 and Boy Scouts from Troop 10 laugh as they work alongside students in the da Vinci Society service clubs at Felix Varela High School and Southwest Miami High School.
“It’s amazing they stay out there,” said Central Presbyterian Church Rev. Kim Robles. “There is a lot of good work being done in Miami.”
There are 3,300 pumpkins to unload — off this truck.
Two or more semis will arrive before Halloween with loads just as big. It’s always a surprise to see how many there are, said Thom Kermes, who is an elder with the church. He has been working at the annual patch for more than 15 years.
“I work part time at Macy’s and when I see my customers they always ask, ‘When are the pumpkins coming?’ This is known in the community,” Kermes said.
Anticipation plays a big part of the annual bazaars in communities around South Florida.
It is the only time of year for the authentic German Christmas Market at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ where shoppers can enjoy Gluehwein, a German/Austrian winter-holiday drink, along with traditional German food. There are also crafts such as advent wreaths for sale.
The annual Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale at the Floridean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has celebrated fall and community for more than 40 years with homemade baked goods, crafts, and raffles.
And at Green Day “Good for All. Celebrate Fall,” in downtown Miami Shores, live music will play for shoppers indulging at food trucks, viewing classic cars, and shopping at the environmentally friendly vendor stalls and farmers market.
Maria Ginard coordinated the pumpkin patch this year at Central Presbyterian Church in Kendall. She said everyone has a lot of fun.
“It’s amazing to see everyone come out to serve the community,” she said. “And when you stand back and see this it’s humbling. I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
It is that time of year.
Pumpkin patches, bazaars and craft fairs
October
Now through Oct. 31 — Pumpkin Patch at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Hank Kline Club, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, 2805 SW 32nd Ave., Miami. Visitors can choose from 2,500 pumpkins of all sizes from Michigan. Prices start at $5. Also available are carving kits and pie-making instructions. Photo opportunities include a wooden pumpkin, hay and scarecrows. Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
Now through Oct. 31 — Pumpkin Patch at Central Presbyterian Church in Kendall, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, 12455 SW 104th St., Miami. Over 8,000 pumpkins delivered throughout the month. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Miami, The House of Hope, The Miami Rescue Mission, and The Deacons Pantry.
Now through Oct. 31 — Pumpkin Patch at Kendall United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends, 7600 SW 104th St., Pinecrest. Field trips welcome.
Oct. 18 — Green Day “Good for All. Celebrate Fall,” 3:30-7:30 p.m., in downtown Miami Shores along NE Second Avenue, from 95th to 100th Streets. Live music, food trucks and local restaurant vendors, beer and wine, and classic cars, in addition to dozens of environmentally friendly vendors, a farmer's market, and plants for sale. Admission is free. Contact 305-754-5466 or www.miamishores.com.
Oct. 18 — Fall Elephant Bazaar at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 11295 SW 57th Ave., Miami Items for sale include house wares, collectibles, jewelry, toys, books, clothes for women, men, and children, electronics, linens, furniture, delicious lunch and a bake sale.
Oct. 19 — Fall Harvest at Deering Estate at Cutler, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami. Includes bocce ball, croquet, family photos next to the vintage International Harvester Truck, house tours at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and a natural areas tour at 12:30 p.m. Children can also create corn husk dolls. Admission is $12 adults, $7 children ages 4-14. More at www.deeringestate.org.
Oct. 25 — Country Walk’s fifth annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 14601 Country Walk Dr., Miami. Music, arts, crafts, one-of-a-kind items, food trucks, sweet treats, handmade jewelry and accessories, and home décor. Free admission. Kids’ fun zone all-day pass is $4. Vendor applications for limited spaces are at www.countrywalkhoa.org or contact cwrecmgr@countrywalkhoa.org or 305-238-9336, ext.12.
Oct. 25 — Fall Extravaganza with Arts and Crafts Fair at Kendall United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7600 SW 104th St., Pinecrest. Bake sale, food trucks, live music, bounce house, snow cones, popcorn, bingo, cake walk. Call 305-667-0343.
Oct. 25-26 — Fall Frenzy Weekend at Christ Fellowship, multiple locations and times in Coral Gables, downtown, Miami Springs, Palmetto Bay, Redland, and West Kendall. Pumpkins, games, and photo booth. FearBuster events for middle and high school students. Visit www.cfmiami.org/fall.
Oct. 31 — Family Harvest Festival at Christ Fellowship downtown, 6 to 9 p.m., 500 NE First Ave., Miami. Free event with music, games, and candy. Families are encouraged to visit in Halloween costumes. Details at http://cfmiami.org/campuses/downtown.
Oct. 31— Miami Springs Trunk-or-Treat presented by Christ Fellowship Miami Springs, 6 to 9 p.m., on the Center Median of Curtiss Parkway in downtown Miami Springs. Families are encouraged to come dressed in costume for a sugary sweet time.
November
Nov. 1 — Around the World in a Day, Holy Rosary St. Richard’s Catholic School & Church’s International Food & Arts Festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7500 SW 152nd St., Palmetto Bay.Free multicultural event for the family introducing foods from different parts of the world, arts, crafts, music, dance, kids’ alley with rides, Spider-Man, and more.
Nov.1 — The Ultimate Bazaar by the Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami, Barton Ravlin Chapter, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Cocoplum, 1375 Sunset Dr., Coral Gables (four blocks east of Red Road on Sunset Drive). Designer clothing, handbags and shoes, on-trend jewelry and accessories, upscale home goods, art and collectibles, limited edition plates, children’s clothing, accessories, toys and games, holiday décor, sporting goods, plants, flowers, and more. All proceeds benefit the UM Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Nov. 7-8 — Bazaar at Palm Springs United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 8, 5700 W. 12th Ave., Hialeah. Craft supplies, crafts, gift items, paintings, Christmas decorations, old and new books, antiques, pictures, collectable dolls, homemade baked goods, plants and Miche interchangeable handbags. Spaghetti Dinner and music, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8, includes spaghetti, salad bar, garlic bread, drinks and dessert bar. Dinner cost for adults $8, children $4, and free for kids under 2.
Nov. 8 — Annual Chicken BBQ and Country Fair at Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 20740 Old Cutler Rd., Cutler Bay (corner of Marlin Road and Old Cutler Road). Chicken dinner for $6, hotdog lunch, homemade cinnamon buns, baked goods, ice cream, candy and sodas. Free children’s rides and DJ music. Interested vendors can call 305-233-7457.
Nov. 8 — Silver Palm Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 15855 SW 248th St., Homestead. Handmade items, used books, bric-a-brac, bake sale, produce, plants, jellies, and a scoop lunch.
Nov. 8 — Fall Bazaar At Fulford United Methodist Church, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1900 NE 164th St., North Miami Beach. Free event has home-baked goods, unique gifts, handmade holiday décor, plants, country store, massages, kids' corner, and lunch for purchase. Proceeds benefit local and worldwide missions.
Nov. 8 — Annual Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale at The Floridean Nursing and Rehablitation Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 47 NW 32nd Pl., Miami. For more than 40 years this annual free event has celebrated fall with homemade baked goods, crafts, raffles and hot dogs for sale.
Nov. 11 — 19th annual Miami Country Day School Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the school gym at 601 NE 107th St., Miami. Join the MCDS Parents’ Association for one-stop shopping for holiday gifts including jewelry, women’s clothing, home accessories and kitchenware, stationery, sports memorabilia, kids’ clothing, personalized items, and more. Food court open throughout the day. Contact pa@miamicountryday.org or 305-779-6773. Proceeds benefit Miami Country Day School’s students and teachers.
Nov. 15 — Third annual Craft Fair at Kendall Presbyterian Church, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 8485 SW 112th St., Miami. There will be 50 vendors, a bake sale and food trucks. Call 305-271-5262 or visit www.kendallpres.org.
Nov. 16 — Bet Shira Sisterhood Annual Holiday Bazaar, n oon to 6 p.m., 7500 SW 120th St., Miami. Free admission. Shoppers will find jewelry, cosmetics, Judaica, art, clothing, gifts, toys, ceramics, accessories and more. Vendors can send email to betshirabazaar@gmail.com or call 305-238-2601.
Nov. 29 — Eleveth annual German Christmas Market at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, 2 to 8 p.m., 3010 DeSoto Blvd., Coral Gables. If you enjoy German traditions like Octoberfest and St. Martin Lantern Parade, you will love this authentic German Christmas Market. Enjoy traditional German food; Gluehwein, a German/Austrian winter-holiday drink; German crafts such as advent wreaths; and German music performances.
December
Dec. 2 — Hanukah and holiday bazaar at Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 9400 SW 87th Ave., Miami. Judaica, handbags, stationery, children’s clothes and gifts, jewelry, children’s crafts, women’s clothes and accessories, unique gifts and food will be available at this event. Vendors can call 305-595-1500 or email bazaaratbetbreira@aol.com.
Dec. 3-6 — Artisan Craft Bazaar at Brockway Memorial Library, 10021 NE Second Ave., Miami Shores, 1 to 6 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6. All items including quilts, tote bags, throw pillows, knitted and crocheted scarves, hats, toys have been handmade by the library’s sewing and needle arts group. Potted plants, woodwork items, and garden aprons from the library’s garden club, as well as homemade baked goods from the library’s book club members. All proceeds benefit the library. Free admission. Call 305-758-8107.
Dec. 6 — Craft Fair at Killian Pines United Methodist Church, 10755 SW 112th St., Miami, 33176. Call the church for vendor registration at 305-595-2878.
Dec. 6-7 — Gem, Jewelry, Mineral, and Fossil Show by the Miami Mineralogical and Lapidary Guild, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124th St., Pinecrest. The guild is celebrating its 60th anniversary with exhibits, displays, demonstrations, raffles and vendors showcasing mineral and fossil specimens, gemstones, fine jewelry and artisan-crafted collectibles. Children’s activities include jewelry-making sessions, surprise grab-bags, gem prospecting. Admission is $4, children under 12 admitted free with paid adult admission. For more visit http://www.mmlg-inc.org/.
This story was originally published October 17, 2014 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Pumpkin pickin': Halloween and fall events in Miami-Dade."