December 2002 - Nr. 13

6^th Kitchener Christkindl Market - A True Tradition -

Warm, cold or icy, Christkindl Market is a tradition not to be missed, no matter where you come from! This year it started on Wednesday, December 4^th, a day earlier than in previous years, and this time temperatures were a little on the colder side, starting with -15C on Wednesday and finishing at -8C on Sunday. But even the winds did not keep the attendance down – it is after all as a first priority a veritable emotional tradition.

The emotional connection was clearly in evidence at the reception Wednesday evening. The Caucus Room was beautifully decorated for the occasion by Pauline Tuerr. Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr remembered the very first Christkindl Market, where many participants had tears in their eyes as the traditions gripped the emotions. Waterloo Mayor Lynn Woolstencroft thanked Toni Bergmeier, founder and Chairman of the Christkindl Market committee, with a saying "Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world – and that’s the only way".

Maintaining the authentic tradition is what Toni Bergmeier wants above all else and he thanked the many organizers, who generated the spirit of Christmas through the gifts of time and dedication, gifts that come from the heart. He said that it was at first unthinkable to have donkeys sleeping in City Hall, what of the implications, but even that was made possible through the dedicated convictions of Toni Bergmeier and the positive spirit of Council.

The candlelight procession on Thursday with Mother and Baby Donkey, the poem "Von draus’ vom Walde komm ich her, ich muss Euch sagen es Weihnachtet sehr…" recited by Knecht Ruprecht (Siegfried Schoepke) with the response from the Angels from the Balcony, lighting of the huge Christmas Tree, the choirs, Dancers, Organ grinder, Bands and Glockenspiel, it all brought Christmas closer to the heart and happy tears to the eyes. And the ice-cold wind outside was forgotten with hot ciders and soups, the Glühwein, sausages, Leberkäse, baked delicacies, Belgian Waffles, Apple Fritters served at the "Buden" outside and the hot fire of the artistic Blacksmiths. And if that did not do it, there were the many spirited vendors of Christmas toys, gifts, crafts and Children’s’ Corner inside the Rotunda to warm up. If you missed this year, make a note for next year. You will enjoy the traditions and it will bring you a giant step closer to the spirit of Christmas. You can check out what you missed this year at www.christkindlcanada.com

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