The summer may be ending and the temperatures are beginning to cool, but that doesn't mean Townsend residents are prepared to shut themselves away inside until next spring. Quite the contrary. The town is gearing up to celebrate the fall weather as it does every year, with annual outdoor events that have become town traditions, such as the annual bazaar held by St. John the Evangelist Parish.

This year, the bazaar will be held Saturday, Sept. 8. No one is likely to miss its highly visible location on the town common.

"We usually do it every year on the Saturday after Labor Day," said Donna Miller, the event's coordinator.

The event will include live music, tables for crafters, a 30-basket raffle, game booths for children and a farmer's market.

For those less concerned about eating fresh, farm-grown fruits and veggies, there will be typical fair-style food a-plenty, like sausage with peppers and onions, pizza, popcorn and ice cream to name only a few. There will also be a pie contest, with bakers entering their favorite home-baked recipes.

The event also features everything from a Christian booth with used books and a fish pond to face painting and a moon bounce for the children.

"All that good stuff. It's just an old-fashioned bazaar," said Miller. "It's a fun family day."

The church will also be holding Mass on the common at 5 p.m.

But the event isn't just for church-goers; it's open to any one interested in attending, whether

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they schedule the time to come or just happen to be driving up Route 119, according to Miller. Volunteers will likely be present from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m., she said.

The event has been part of the church's annual fundraising efforts for decades.

Miller, who has been organizing the event for the past six years, said it traces "as far back as I can remember, and I've lived here for 45 years. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year."

Miller said the church hopes to raise approximately $15,000.

"Every year fluctuates," she said. "We always hope to raise at least a couple thousand more than the year before."

The funds aren't "air marked" for any one particular expense; rather, the amount goes into the church's general budget. In previous years, it has gone to replacing tables and chairs; one day, according the Miller, the church would like to be able to invest in an air conditioner.

"It goes for necessities we need," she said. "There's always something that needs to be done in the older buildings ... It really helps us out in having a balanced budget."

Members of the church view the bazaar as an opportunity to get together as a family and provide for their church.

"It's a great thing. It's a fun way to support the parish and a lot of people contribute," she said.

More information about the event and the church can be found at townsendcatholic.org.