Even though it’s only June, the second-annual Christkindl Market is less than six months away and support is still needed to make the annual festive event a reality.
The traditional European-style holiday market will be once again held in Coachlight Square this year. It will start on Friday, Dec. 2 at noon and will go until 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 the hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Last year the market hosted more than 3,000 visitors, bringing life into the first weekend of December, said Lisa Hall, one of the organizers.
The market includes artisan booths decorated for the season, live music, a tree lighting, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. A Christkindl Market Angel will also be on display. The festive event continues to grow, Hall said.
Any artisans who want to set up a booth at the market have until Aug. 1 to apply. The booth fee is $275.
Vendors for food and goods aren’t the only positions open — volunteers are welcome to apply too and sponsors are needed to help fund the event.
Hall said there was $10,000 left from last year, due to savings in the electrical budget. The Brown County Community Foundation gave a grant to the market for $2,500 and a personal foundation gift of $5,000 was given, bringing the total funds so far for this year’s market to $17,500.
The budget this year is $34,700, which includes tent rentals, tables, chairs, heaters, decor, insurance, permits, entertainment, sound engineer, electrical, website development, storage, a videographer, hired security, hired help and Christkindl mugs.
It would be nice to raise over the budgeted amount to have seed money for the following year, Hall said.
“This is an all-community event that requires all-community support if it is to be offered each year,” Hall said. “If everyone gave just a little, the event would be funded. It will be up to the entities and individuals of this county to determine if they want these kinds of additions to our community each year. If the funding does not come in, the event does not happen.”
Hall said last year the event was a needed community event and that organizers wanted to put it together for locals to enjoy first with tourists joining in on festivities and visiting during the slower winter months.
The Christkindl Market has its own website. Applications are now being accepted for food and artist vendors. The early bird deadline is July 1. Aug. 1 is the official deadline. Apply at www.browncountychristkindlmarket.com.
Hall said that event organizers have considered every suggestion from attendees and incorporated several of those suggestions to make the event even better.
This year the stage will be hosted on Washington Street with live entertainment and polka dance lessons.
“The Christkindl Market compliments other holiday traditions that take place the same weekend,” Hall said. “There will be fun for the whole family.”
