The 1st Annual Bavarian-style Christmas Market
will be held at the Mini Park in downtown Bellville
on Thanksgiving weekend:
November 25th & 26th, 2011.
Friday 6pm – 10pm
Saturday 10am - 10pm
The History and The Vision
Christkindlmarkt Bellville was inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which began in 1545.
More recently, Chriskindlmarkt’s may be found throughout the United States with the largest festivals being held in Chicago, Illinois and Leavonworth, Washington. These open-air Christmas festivals have become cherished Bavarian traditions and we in Bellville are confident that this event will grow to become one of the most popular holiday attractions for Bellville and the surrounding area.
The vision of Christkindlmarkt Bellville was first conceptualized by Wendy Crowe, President of the Bellville Chamber of Commerce, after the City of Bellville and the Economic Development Committee approved the lighting of the historic downtown area to launch the Christmas season. Ms. Crowe was seeking a way to incorporate the lighting of downtown with an event that promoted our strong Bavarian heritage. After sharing the vision with several individuals and organizations, the festival took wings and is scheduled to launch on Friday night the 25th of November. The festival will include everything from Bavarian Food and drink as well as sweets, treats and cultural activities for the kids.
Christkindlmarkt Bellville will begin with a welcome ceremony on Friday night,
followed by a Children’s lantern parade around the historic square and down into the mini park.
There will be food and drink vendors as well as arts, crafts, music and dancing.
Don’t forget the German holiday songs that will be performed for all to enjoy.
At the market, individuals will get to experience authentic German traditions without having to travel any farther
than the city of Bellville. For young and old alike, the Christkindlmarkt Bellville will be fun, fun, fun!
Schedule
Friday, November 25 – 6pm–10pm
6:00pm – Welcome Ceremony with city dignitaries, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, St. Nicholas, Christkind and Nutcrackers.
6:15pm – Lantern Parade
6:45pm – Children’s Choir
7:00pm – Charles Dickens Storytelling – A Christmas Story
8:00pm – 10:00pm – Enzian Buam
Saturday, November 26 – 10am–10pm
10:00am – Festival opens with Children’s Activity – Nutcracker Making
12:00pm – Childrens Activity – Scherenschnitte – German Paper Cutting
2:00pm – Music – Concordia Gesang Verein
3:00pm – Childrens Activity – Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus / German Games
4:00pm – Music – German Ompa Band
7:00pm – Music – Enzian Buam
Sponsors & Volunteers
This festival is promoted by the Bellville Heritage Gathering with special thanks to our Major Sponsors:
Delwin & Ginger Rettig, MimiBella Fine Linenwear
Ms. Flora Winn
Mr. Jaime Elick, Attorney
Sanford and Mannie Schmid Charitable Trust
The Bellville Lions Club
We would also like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their financial donations and contributions of time and talent which is making this festival possible:
Austin County State Bank
First National Bank Bellville
Rockin’ B Cowboy Supply
Bellville General Hospital
Clay Kistler, Appraisals
Caroline Kemper
Coco and Duckie
Cottonwood Cottage
Herridge & Herridge Insurance
The Bluebonnet Chapter of The Texas German Society
Linseisen’s Feed & Supply of Bellville
Wells Fargo Bank Bellville
Woodman of the World
Boys and Girls Club of Austin County
Bellville Town & Country Garden Club
Bellville High School Agricultural Department
Cancer Angels
Mr. David Ottmer, County Commissioner
Luedeker Construction
Mill Creek Custom Homes
Vincik’s Building Supply
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