Members of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church in Sarnia are set to host a unique shopping and dining experience next month to address the housing crisis and raise money for local projects.
“We wanted to do something that accomplishes a lot of things,” says church member and event organizer Sandi Grimshaw. “To bring the congregation together, celebrate summer and address a great need in our community.”
Grimshaw is organizing Art Works 24, an outdoor shopping village packed with vendors, live music by the Bluewater Chordsmen, and food.
It will be held on the grounds of St. Bart’s church at 718 Cathcart Boulevard in Sarnia on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A picnic area set up under the shady trees will encourage shoppers to take their time, stay a while and enjoy the ambiance, Grimshaw said.
She has a long history of leading successful art events in Sarnia, having previously organized Art in the Park in Bright’s Grove and ARTZscape by the Bay in Centennial Park.
For Art Works 24, Grimshaw tapped into her vendor list, with many jumping at the opportunity to participate in the event. Vendors include artisans selling paintings, photography, stained glass, goodies, and much more.
“There will be 43 juried vendors, many of which are local but one actually coming from as far away as Richmond Hill,” Grimshaw says.
But the day’s events include much more than shopping. From 12 noon to 2 p.m., a pre-ticketed brunch buffet fit for royalty, King Neptune’s Palace, will be held. Tickets are $45 each or a table of eight for $360.
The delectable experience will take guests into an underwater world surrounded by “tropical fish, sea plants and ‘a million bubbles’ that will make it seem like you’re underwater,” says Grimshaw.
Once there, they will enjoy delicious fare catered by Simply OMG Casual Cuisine, including all-you-can-eat strawberry pancakes, quiche, crepes, and more. The meal also includes wine.
“I picked this undersea theme because I’ve done it before and it worked out really well,” says Grimshaw. “We’ll even have professional musicians playing saxophone and guitar.”
Very limited seats for the brunch buffet in King Neptune’s Palace are available. Contact St. Bart’s directly at 519-383-6933 or reach out to Grimshaw at [email protected].
Both events will support St. Bart’s mission to help people in Sarnia.
“Part of what we are as a church is connecting with our local community and helping those in need,” he says. “We’ve been more aware of the need in our community for affordable housing. And it’s not easy. It’s a hard thing to do, especially when you’re talking about land, zoning and operations.
“We’re hoping the funds raised from this event will kickstart the movement toward more affordable housing being available in our community,” he adds.
This isn’t the first time that St. Bart’s has been involved in affordable housing. Decades ago, it donated land adjacent to the church for the construction of the 41-unit Jubilee Gardens apartment complex, which still benefits residents today.
The property is within walking distance of bus routes, a grocery store, a hardware store, a bank, and many other amenities. “For people who don’t have transportation, this is a wonderful place to live full lives.”
Rev. Hodgson is well aware that housing is an essential part of life and admits that, “We need to make another bold step to doing what we can to try and get something moving, whether it is something we’re involved in or our partners”
Conversations are also taking place among leaders at many local churches, Rev. Hodgson says.
“Local clergy have been talking about how churches have assets that are being underutilized and there are needs in the community that we can help with.
“Part of what we’re hoping from this event is aiding on the financial side is responding to this particular need. And we need to respond to this community with love.”
When asked what exactly St. Bart’s has planned for the future, Rev. Hodgson says “Stay tuned.”
Don’t miss the events:
Art Works 24
St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
718 Cathcart Boulevard, Sarnia
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check out the complete list of vendors on the event’s Facebook page
And
King Neptune’s Palace brunch buffet
St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
718 Cathcart Boulevard, Sarnia
Saturday, June 812 to 2 p.m.
Is your church, charity or business playing a role in tackling Sarnia’s housing affordability crisis? Reach out to The Sarnia Journal – we want to hear from you.
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