Winter Festival 2011
Annually in early to mid December, Immaculate Heart of Mary hosts a traditional German Winter festival called Christkindlmarkt. Spanning two days, this festival invites parishioners and businesses to gather together and celebrate the spirit of the season at IHM. Much like our Journey Days festival in Summer, Christkindlmarkt offers entertainment, wonderful food, great services and some special events hosted by our various ministries. You won’t want to miss this fun family festival, so please join us on the parish lawn in early December!
Coming over the third weekend of Advent, the IHM Christkindlmarkt is back and will have a “warmer” feel to it this year. Plans are underway to make this the most cozy and comfortable Winterfest we have seen yet!
We will be having one large tent in the yard along with bonfires, Christmas trees that will be decorated and for sale, beer, hot-wine, brats and sausages, and wonderful vendors offering their wares to us throughout the weekend. (There are several vendor places already spoken for but there are still a few left – if you have questions or would like to reserve a spot and get information, call David at x106). The Winterfest will be Saturday evening, December 10 and Sunday, December 11. The schedule of Events appears below:
IHM Christkindlmarkt
Saturday, December 10, 2011
- 3:00 pm – Winterfest opens
- 4:00 pm – Children’s Christmas Pageant in Church
- 5:00 pm – Mass
- 6:00 pm – Dickens Christmas Carolers Singing
- 6:30 pm – Lighting of the Lights
- 9:00 pm – Close
Sunday, December 11, 2011
- 9:30 am – Winterfest opens following Mass
- 10:30 am – Mass
- 2:00 pm – Moments with Mary play
- 6:00 pm – Mass (Our Lady of Guadalupe)
- 7:30 pm – Pot Luck Dinner
- 9:00 pm – Close
Details
Food
Enjoy a variety of delicious treats throughout this festival! Throughout the weekend we will have many booths dedicated to amazing food such as brats, sandwiches, smores, homemade baked goods, snacks and more!
Drink
Throughout the weekend, we will have several booths bringing you warm, delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoy authentic German Gluhwein, Irish coffees, or some nice hot coffee and cocoa drinks from our Morning Star Cafe. We will also have a beer garden, and plenty of soda, water, coffee and hot chocolate to go around!
Wares
Local businesses are able to purchase booths to sell their products and promote their business. The variety and originality that we have found in our vendors provides a fun market atmosphere for all those who attend. We have tents offering anything from homemade jewelry, crafts and candles to designer housewares and linens. Please contact the Ministry of Evangelization if you are interested in purchasing a booth for your business!
Entertainment
We have a schedule of fun events throughout the weekend: the lighting of the Christmas tree on Saturday night, and the Children’s Christmas Pageant Saturday afternoon. Throughout the weekend we will also have a petting zoo and lots of live music from local musicians!
Cost
Food items, services and admission cost tickets, which can be purchased on site for a dollar each. Specific booth merchandise is as decided by the vendor.
Join Us
As you can see, we have an amazing weekend in store for you! Please join us for our Christkindlmarkt, and see what wonderful treasures the Community of Immaculate Heart of Mary can offer you this holiday season!
CHILDREN’S ST. NICHOLAS PAGEANT
A special thank you is extended to all of the children who participated in the choir that was part of the Children’s Pageant on Saturday, December 10th. Thirty children joined with the performers in bringing the story of St. Nicholas and Christmas to our parish. These choir members attended three rehearsals prior to the St. Nicholas Pageant. They worked hard to learn the songs in preparation for the performance; they did such a fine job. The adults that made certain each child was at all of the practices deserve a thank you, also. These children will become the future musicians in our parishes. We should encourage their involvement in the music ministry!
“Moments with Mary”
Thank you to the Director Ed Combs and Cast
I would like to thank the Morning Star Drama Troupe and especially Director Ed Combs for their work on their play “Moments with Mary.” Ed is a biblical scholar, writer and skilled in theater production. He used all his gifts to make Mother Mary come alive. He also designed and made the beautiful programs. Gerry Porraz added his musical talents, and Mary Padilla and Ed Combs proclaimed the script so meaningfully. I would also like to thank the following:
Donna and Franz Koch—Props/Costumes
Gary McKenny, Cindy Chengery, Anna Vigil and Helen Francis—Props/Costumes and Actors Lineup.
Mariah Vigil—Young Mary
Anna Francis—Blessed Mother
Magdalena Zielinski—Elizabeth
Nick Sanford—Joseph
Chris Gaul—Rabbi
David Francis, Katie Eshbaugh, Helen Francis, Anthony Koch, and Anna Vigil—Townspeople
Devon Koch—Town Crier
My special thanks also to the Holy Spirit of God, to Fr. Greg and the staff of IHM. This drama is for the honor and glory of God.
My love, prayers and again my heartfelt thanks!
Jody Eshbaugh Scott
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass & Dinner
A huge thank you to Mary Padilla and her planning team for coordinating the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration. Thanks to everyone who brought food for the potluck dinner. God Bless you all!
Thank you!