A beloved Delavan tradition returns next week as the Delavan United Methodist Church’s United Women in Faith hosts their Annual Bazaar and Chicken and Noodles Dinner on Thursday, December 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall at 417 S. Locust St.

Just as Thanksgiving reliably falls on the fourth Thursday of November, this long‑running community event is always held on the first Thursday of December—a rhythm locals have counted on now for generations. Each year brings a new theme, and this year’s celebration, “Joy to the World,” will be reflected throughout the fellowship hall’s festive décor.

Handmade Noodles: A Labor of Love

The dinner’s signature dish—its homemade noodles—comes together through weeks of volunteer effort. For four to five Thursdays each fall, members gather to mix, roll, cut, and dry noodles by hand. This season, the group cracked more than 50 dozen eggs to produce 137 quart bags of dry noodles. 

Of that total, 14 gallons are reserved for the dinner itself. The remaining dry noodles will be sold in quart bags for $5 each, with a limit of 10 bags per person.

Co-president Sally Lessen says the meal is exactly what many look forward to during the holiday rush.
“It’s a very high‑carb meal for those that love carbs,” she said with a smile. “We all need energy for the holiday season.”

Secretary Beth Zimmer added that the noodles are a major draw: “One of the big draws for people is … our homemade noodles.”

Dinner by Donation

The chicken and noodles dinner—available for dine‑in or carryout—has no set price and is offered by donation. The menu includes:

• Chicken and noodles
• Mashed potatoes
• Rolls
• Jell‑O salads
• A selection of pies or cake for dessert

The event typically welcomes 150 to 200 guests each year and relies on what Lessen describes as “countless and priceless” volunteers.

Bazaar, Theme Baskets, and Cookie Walk

Alongside the dinner, the Annual Bazaar offers a wide variety of items for sale, including:

• Books
• Candies and fudges
• Fresh bakery items such as breads, pies, and coffee cakes
• “Pre‑loved” Christmas décor, new to this year’s lineup

A drawing for theme baskets—each crafted around a specific idea and filled with matching items—will take place at 7 p.m. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5, and guests may choose which baskets to enter.

The popular Cookie Walk also returns. Guests can browse tables of assorted cookies, select their favorites in any quantity, and pay by the pound.

Supporting Mission Work

Proceeds from the event support the mission work of the United Women in Faith, benefiting women, children, and families through both local and regional initiatives. The Delavan chapter’s officers include Sally Lessen and Linda Allen, co-presidents; Beth Zimmer, secretary; and Joanna Adair, treasurer.

For many in Delavan, the Bazaar and Chicken and Noodles Dinner marks the unofficial start of the holiday season—a warm, bustling evening of food, fellowship, and community spirit.