Southern Indiana Hamlet Gears Up for 16th Annual Christkindlmarkt
Ferdinand, Indiana (PRWEB) November 08, 2013 -- The heady aroma of authentic Bavarian specialty foods and an incredible array of Christmas wares, antiques, quality hand-crafted, and primitives await the public at Ferdinand's Christkindlmarkt, Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17.
Christkindlmarkts began in 14th century Germany and continue today. Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the most authentic in the United States and has been voted one of the Top 100 Events in the Nation by the American Bus Association for 2012. Markt sites are located indoors throughout town. Parking is free as is the optional shuttle service between markt sites, admission, and entertainment.
The six markt locations include the Ferdinand Community Center at 1710 Community Drive, Forest Park High School on 14th and Vienna, the Tri-County YMCA Antiques Markt at 131 E. 16th Street, the Ferdinand American Legion at 425 Main Street, the Hilgeman Auction House Antiques Markt at 855 Main Street, and the St. Ferdinand Spiritual Life Center at 341 E. 10th Street in Ferdinand.
In addition to regional foods and wines, antiques, florals, folk art, nutcrackers, ornaments, pottery, fabric, and artwork, booths will showcase the works of wood carvers, basket weavers, candle makers, bakers, jewelry designers, soap makers, and other artisans as at Christkindlmarkts held in Germany. There are many exciting new vendors in over 150 booths ready to show their wares. The festival-styled setting has drawn thousands of guests as part of the Olde World Christmas program promoted by the Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce, Ferdinand Tourism, and the Dubois County Visitors Center.
Live musical entertainment will be offered both days at the Forest Park locations, including the amazing Marionette Theater with half life size puppets at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. EST on Sunday. The Black Forest Organ grinder will greet guests at the Community Center both days as well. The live Glockenspiel performances, under the direction of Chuck Bradley, will perform at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday on the Music Café stage at the Forest Park location. These live cuckoo clock animations last approximately ten minutes after the chiming of the hour. Sankt Nikolaus will be visiting all markt sites, and one can visit with Santa Claus on Saturday at German American at 1020 Main Street in Ferdinand from 1 – 4 p.m. EST.
St. Ferdinand Church will host Saturday evening’s entertainment featuring a seasonal concert with the 98 voices of the Celebration Singers at 7:00 p.m. The concert is open to the public and goodwill donations will be accepted. Sunday, a mass with German hymns will be held at St. Ferdinand Church at 8:30 a.m. EST.
The Sunday afternoon concert at 3:00 p.m. features Stillpoint and the Sisters of St. Benedict and will be held in the Monastery Immaculate Conception Church. This concert is free and the public is welcome. Goodwill offerings will be accepted. Tours of Monastery Immaculate Conception will also be available both days at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
All six markt sites will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Forest Park High School will serve as the hub locations for the free shuttle service.
The Christkindl herself appears on Christkindlmarkt Eve, November 15th, at the markt’s annual opening ceremonies. Monks chant, the bells chime, and children light the way prior to Christkindl’s appearance to herald in the markt. This ceremony is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. EST on the west hillside of the Monastery Immaculate Conception, the “Castle on the Hill” as the locals call it. Dinner with entertainment follows, reservations required, as the hills come alive in stately St. Gertrude Hall. Tickets for the dinner are $28. Call 812-367-1874 to purchase.
Ferdinand, Indiana, is located on Indiana State Road 162, one mile north of I-64, at Exit 63, 45 minutes east of Evansville, Indiana and one hour west of Louisville, Kentucky. For more information and/or hotel accommodations, visit http://www.ferdinandchristkindlmarkt.com or http://www.duboiscountychristmas.com or contact
1-800-968-4578.
Kevin Manley, Dubois County Visitor Center, http://www.visitduboiscounty.com, 800-968-4578, [email protected]
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