Celebrating charity, culture, and community at the MCC Sale
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale brings together Mennonite from across Kansas, including many Bethel students.
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale, a beloved tradition in Hutchinson, once again brought together people from all walks of life for a weekend of charity, fellowship, and cultural celebration on April 12 and 13. Held at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, this annual event showcased the generosity and community spirit of the Mennonite community and its supporters.
The two-day event featured a wide array of activities, including auctions, food booths, and craft displays. One of the main highlights of the relief sale was the quilt auction, where intricately designed quilts crafted by talented Mennonite artisans fetched impressive prices, with all proceeds going towards charitable causes.
"The Mennonite culture here is what you see in the relief sale” shared freshman Micah Wenger. Visitors had the opportunity to sample delicious homemade Mennonite cuisine, including traditional dishes like verenika (cottage cheese dumplings), borscht (beef and cabbage soup), and platz (fruit-filled pastries). The food booths were a major draw, offering a taste of Mennonite culture and culinary traditions.
"Last year, I was actually in Colorado Springs for the year doing volunteer work,” said Wenger." “And so I went to the sale in Colorado. It was Rocky Ford, I believe. And it was much smaller than the one here."
Throughout the weekend, volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the event, from organizing auctions to serving meals and assisting attendees. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in making the relief sale a success.
“I volunteered because I had seen a bunch of my friends already signed up for the same time that was available,” said Andrew Graber, from Divide, Colo. “Then I was in one of the buildings that served verenika and we were in a trailer outside the back of it, frying verenika and then preparing them to go out to be sold. I think one thing I also enjoy is bumping into a bunch of people that you either sort of know or know really well and just [...] chat and catch up briefly."
The Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale has a long history in Hutchinson, dating back several decades. Over the years, it has grown into a cherished annual gathering that draws people from across the region, fostering connections and goodwill among attendees.