MANSFIELD — The smell of baked goods wafted through the air at St. Peter’s High School on Saturday during the 29th Annual Christmas Classic.
Ann Brown, coordinator of the bake sale for the past 29 years, and her team of helpers were busy in the kitchen, whipping up a variety of goodies for people.
Brown said she has about 50 core volunteers who spend days in advance prepping for what she believes to be the largest bake sale in the area. Together they’ve made over 3,000 kieffels, more than 1,000 poticas (nut rolls), about 200 butter rolls, among several other delectable treats.
“We have phenomenal help,” she said. Even parents of St. Peter’s students and members of the parish add to the smorgasbord, she said.
The Christmas Classic is the largest fundraiser for Parents’ Club, which is led by President Allie Watson. This event allows grants to be made to teachers for classroom activities, books, speakers and field trips for St. Peter’s students.
Michael Wasiniak, principal of St. Peter’s High School and Junior High, praised both Brown and Watson for their help in making the Christmas Classic a success.
Brown said she enjoys the event because it brings the whole community together and helps get people into the Christmas spirit.
Sharon Christian, a 1969 St. Peter’s graduate, likes attending the Christmas Classic with her family members.
“My grandkids really like the Secret Santa part,” she said. “That’s when they can buy presents for their mom and dad without them knowing what they are.”
In addition to baked goods, the Christmas Classic also featured choral performances by St. Peter’s students and various crafts.
Jennifer Gatchall and her daughter Olivia were stationed at one of the booths that had handmade bags, wallets, headbands, stockings and other items for sale. The items were made by Jennifer’s daughter, Allyson, a seventh grader at St. Peter’s, with the help of her family members. Allyson was unable to attend the Christmas Classic because of a conflicting event–a district honors band performance.
Jennifer said this the first time that her family has been part of the craft show, though they’ve attended the event for the past several years.
“It’s fun seeing all the people,” she said.
