By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
When the Ellinwood Chamber announced the inaugural Christkindlmarket in 2013, the goal of the German-themed Christmas event was to create a Christmas tradition in Ellinwood. Eleven years later, the event is still going strong. Jennifer Klepper, one of the three co-chairs heading the event, said the biggest change this year is the move to Saturday, Dec. 7.
"It's not going to be on a Sunday this year," she said. "It has traditionally been on a Sunday except for, I think, one other time they tried it on a Saturday. We're going to move it to a Saturday and just give it a shot to see if we can't develop it into an all-day-into-the-evening type event."
The Christkind is the traditional bringer of gifts in a large portion of Europe that includes Germany. This year, Ellinwood will combine that German heritage with a longstanding local tradition of meeting Santa Claus at the Ellinwood Fire Department. That moves to the Ellinwood Grade School cafeteria for Brunch with Santa.
"That starts at 9 a.m., and they're going to have pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, milk, all that kind of stuff so you can come and have breakfast with Santa Claus at no cost," Klepper said.
Brunch with Santa runs from 9-11 a.m. and will include photo opportunities and a goody bag. A short Christmas story will be read to children at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
At 11 a.m., the fun moves to the EGS gymnasium for a Holiday Kids Zone with bounces houses and a creation station to make an ornament from Legos to be displayed on a public tree. The Chamber is still accepting Lego donations. Klepper is also working on a large nativity box maze, the Great Bend Recreation Commission is lending its Imagination Playground for the festivities, and the Ellinwood Garden Club will have its train available for rides.
Throughout the afternoon, downtown businesses will offer special deals, and the Chamber is bringing in approximately 30 vendors with clothing, jewelry, kitchenware, make-up, and more. Area fundraising vendors like the Ellinwood High School football team and cheer squad will also have items for sale. Each location will feature a drop-off and loading zone for carriage rides and the caroling trailer.
Also in the afternoon, heading over to the Ellinwood Public Library for the opportunity to build a gingerbread house, sponsored by the KAY Club. EHS journalism students will also have a photo station set up, complete with a backdrop, for a unique photo opportunity to make holiday gift cards. The library and Ellinwood District Hospital will be accepting food and coat donations to be distributed later.
Finally, as the sun sets on this year's Christkindlmarket, head over to the American Legion at 5:30 p.m. for a live nativity featuring several children and perhaps some live animals. After the lighting of the Christmas tree and the announcement of raffle winners, head inside the Legion at approximately 7 p.m. for live music, food, and beverages.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 25, the chamber will again be presenting the Shop Local Raffle. Receive a ticket for every $10 spent at participating businesses, up to 10 tickets, to be entered into a raffle for prizes that include a meat bundle from Ellinwood Packing and certificates from Ellinwood Family Foods.
All events are free to attend. Food will be available throughout the day from Gather and 10-39 Cafe, and the American Legion will also have food in the evening.
Klepper is co-chairing this year's Christkindlmarket alongside Kelli Penner and Megan Martinez.