GULF SHORES, Ala. — With picture perfect weather on tap for the weekend, people looking for some arts, crafts, bargains, and good food will have a plethora of choices along the Gulf Coast to strolling, browsing and consuming.

Starting the day off with one of the largest yard sale/craft sale events in the area will be the Eighth Annual Big Yard and Craft Sale at the Orange Beach Community Center.

All the fun begins at 7 a.m. and according to event coordinator Jeanne Fitzgibbons, you will want to get there early.

“This is a Relay for Life event, it is our eighth year to do it, and it is always a hoot,” Fitzgibbons said. “We open the doors at 7 a.m. on the dot and usually at that point, there are lines at all of the entrances of people waiting to get in.”

Fitzgibbons said that there will be a minimum of 25 vendors, probably more with great yard sale items, crafts, as well as sausage biscuits, gravy and coffee.

Proceeds from The Big Yard and Craft Sale are directly donated to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the Relay for Life campaign.

“We make money from this event in three ways,” Fitzgibbons explained. “We rent space to the vendors, we take donations from the public, and then we sell the breakfast items.”

Vendor spaces

In addition, all vendor spaces are located inside the community center so Fitzgibbons said no matter the weather, it will be a great event.

Orange Beach Community Center is located at 27235 Canal Road, and addition information about this event is available by calling 251-981-1524.

Mission Festival

Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church will be hosting the Third Annual Mission Festival Service Fair from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Pastor Steven Kurtz said that the event is to benefit the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.

“They will actually be coming to cook Boston Butts for us,” Kurtz said. “We will have pulled pork sandwiches, the Jubilee Pickers will play live music, and in between their songs we will highlight different mission organizations that we support as a congregation.”

Kurtz said that his church wants to let people know who is out there doing good things in the community such as Habitat for Humanity, the Christian Service Center and the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch.

“It is a family friendly, festive, and fun event,” said Kurtz.

The Jubilee Pickers are a group of amateur musicians who play acoustic stringed instruments, southern style.

Cost for a sandwich, chips and a drink is only $6, or you can purchase one whole Boston Butt for $25.

Prepaid orders can be made by calling the church between 9 a.m. and noon at 251-968-7720.

The Gulf Shores first Presbyterian Church is located at 309 E. 21st Ave.

Also, beginning at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. will be the Women’s Market Place Bazaar at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church.

Baked goods

Baked goods will be sold including jams, jellies, pickles, and frozen casseroles.

Crafts and books will also be available for purchase and there will be a silent auction.

From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. enjoy some delicious chicken gumbo for lunch.

Tickets are only $8.

Winn Dixie Shopping Center is the sight for the Women’s Market Place Bazaar. For additional information, call 251-968-2411.