St. Augustine Catholic Church in New Roads was once a lively, multigenerational community hub. But now it's a little worse for wear.

Water has stained the cathedral ceiling, mildew has begun to creep over the siding, and parts of the tile floor have chipped away. Its congregation, like the population of the city of New Roads surrounding it, is dwindling.

Residents and parishioners hope to reverse the decline by calling upon a nostalgic and festive form of community building: the church bazaar.

“We’re resuming this festival because the church is still in need, more than ever,” church bazaar committee chair Tonya Scott Wyandon said. “The mountain that we’re having to climb is against all odds.”

'Something to look forward to'

It will be St. Augustine’s first fair in 20 years. For many, t

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