Starting this weekend, and continuing over the next couple of weekends, three area churches are putting on holiday bazaars. And it’s just in time to get the holiday shopping underway, as October gives way to November.

First up is the Escalon United Methodist Church event, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31. The church is at 2000 Jackson Ave., and hours for the bazaar are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This will be 29th annual holiday bazaar, and along with handmade crafts and gifts, a special feature is the Opportunity Quilt Drawing with a queen size quilt being offered. It is based on the theme of America’s 250th Anniversary and tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or 13 for $10; it also comes with matching pillowcases. A soup and pie luncheon will be available, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a cost of $13 for adults, and a child’s lunch for those ages six to nine is $7. Take out lunch available as well as dine in. The lunch includes soup, Genova French bread and a piece of pie.

The ready-to-bake pies, a popular item, include several varieties and can be purchased onsite to take home and bake.

Officials note that while Saturday is Halloween, the 3 p.m. conclusion of the bazaar leaves plenty of time for families to get home and prepare for trick-or-treating after visiting the event.

The Saron Lutheran Church will then put on its annual Kris Kringle Market. Hosted at the church, 1742 North St., this annual event will be put on this year on Saturday, Nov. 7 and will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Among the items available on Nov. 7 will be baked goods, candy, puzzles, a wide variety of homemade items, jams, jellies and more. Also, those attending can enjoy a chili and cornbread lunch for a $7 donation. There will be a drawing for a quilt as well, and tickets will be available at one for $1, six for $5 or 25 tickets for $20.

Proceeds from the market support the ministries of Saron Lutheran Church, including 10 percent donated to the local C.A.R.E., Community Action Resources of Escalon, Center to help with local food insecurity needs.

Finally, it’s a two-day craft fair, being put on at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 East Highway 120, Ripon; at the corner of Highway 120 and Carrolton Road, at the Escalon-Ripon line. Dates and times for the craft fair are Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The event, which will also include a bake sale, will be hosted in the Parish Hall at the church and all proceeds are for Saint Vincent de Paul to help those in need throughout the area.