Epworth United Methodist Church will host its third annual basket extravaganza from Thursday, Oct. 20, to Sunday, Oct. 23, at its address, 5th Street and Morgan Avenue in the borough.
“The old name for the event was the annual auction,” co-chair Cheryl Quickel said. In the past, she explained, the extravaganza was hosted in a basement with up to 250 attendees. Because of the pandemic, the church’s United Women of Faith organization had to make changes.
“People come to the church with a maze of tables and walk through one way,” Quickel noted. “Every time they turn a corner, they find something new.”
Event attendees pay $5 upon arrival for a sheet of 25 raffle tickets to bid on a basket, most of which are valued at $50, with a select three worth $300. A mystery basket is thrown into the mix as well.
Basket donations – some of them themed – come from local vendors in the borough, Riverton and Cinnaminson. Inside are items that include an Anthony Jewelers necklace, an Ocean City getaway vacation, a Michael Kors handbag and a combination air fryer. The extravaganza is come and go, and residents can make a day out of it.
“The public can arrive when it is convenient,” Quickel said. “We often have a bunch of friends who make it a destination, then go out for lunch afterwards. We often hear comments of how beautiful the baskets are and how generous they are.”
Basket extravaganza funds go to local charities and international organizations. On the last day of the event, there will be a Facebook Live raffle drawing at 2:30 p.m. If the winners aren’t present that day, they get a call from the church to pick up their prizes.
Quickel noted that the event is a big deal in the community.
“People camp out … and spend money waiting for their name to be called,” she said.
Basket extravaganza hours are noon to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. Cash will be accepted only at the door and contact information will be collected at registration.
