Ready, set, go — to Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt
The holiday season is set to commence this weekend, when Ferdinand’s 22nd annual Christkindlmarkt kicks into high gear.
It all began in 1996, when a handful of members of the newly formed Ferdinand Tourism Commission decided it was time to celebrate the season in a big way. Several ideas were posited until educator and business owner Diane Hoppenjans suggested that as a German-centric community tucked in the rolling hills of southern Indiana — much like the land of the community’s ancestors — the positively perfect event would be a Hoosier Christkindlmarkt, patterned after the Christmas markets held in Germany and much of Europe since the 14th century.
Could organizers pull it off?
The very first Ferdinand Christkindmarkt was held in 1997 — a one day event at one location that happened to be a raging success.
While additional venues and events have been added in the intervening years, as well as an extra day for shopping and an opening ceremony the evening prior, Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt has stayed true to its origins. Everything is free except for food and purchases (the free part includes transportation between sites, parking, and a wide range of entertainment; additionally, no admission is charged).
It’s true — the heady aroma of authentic Bavarian specialty foods and an incredible array of Christmas wares, antiques, quality hand-crafted, and primitives await the public this Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, at Christkindlmarkt.
Ferdinand’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the most authentic in the United States. Instead of booths in the churchyard or public square as in Germany, markt sites are located indoors and outdoors throughout town.
The six markt locations include the Ferdinand Community Center at 1710 Community Drive, the Tri-County YMCA Antiques Markt at 131 E. 16th Street, Forest Park High School on 14th and Vienna, the Ferdinand American Legion at 425 Main Street, Ferdinand Elementary at 402 E. 8th Street, and the Monastery Event Hall at 840 E. 10th Street.
In addition to regional foods and wines, antiques, florals, folk art, nutcrackers, ornaments, pottery, fabric, and artwork, booths will showcase the works of wood carvers, basket weavers, chocolatiers, candle makers, bakers, and other artisans as at Christkindlmarkts held in Germany. There are many exciting new vendors ready to show their wares. The festival-styled setting has drawn thousands of guests as part of the Olde World Christmas program promoted by the Ferdinand Chamber of Commerce, Ferdinand Tourism, and the Dubois County Visitors Center.
Live, free musical entertainment will be offered both days at the Forest Park locations, including the amazing Marionette Theater with half life size puppets at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Black Forest Organ grinder will greet guests at the Community Center on Saturday and Sunday as well. The live Glockenspiel performances, under the direction of Chuck Bradley, will perform at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday on the Music Café stage at the Forest Park Practice Gym location. These live cuckoo clock animations last approximately ten minutes after the chiming of the hour.
St. Ferdinand Church will host Saturday evening’s entertainment featuring a seasonal concert with the 60 voices of the Celebration Singers at 7:00 p.m. The choir’s 2019 holiday program features a wide variety of heartwarming traditional and contemporary Christmas music. The concert is free and open to the public, goodwill donations will be accepted. And then on Sunday, a mass with German hymns will be held at St. Ferdinand Church at 10 a.m. EST.
Free tours of Monastery Immaculate Conception will be available on Saturday from 10 a.m. – noon and 1-3 p.m. and again on Sunday any time between noon and 2 p.m.
All six markt sites will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST on Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST on Sunday. There is no admission charge.
The Christkindl herself appears on Christkindlmarkt Eve, November 15th, at the markt’s annual opening ceremonies. Bells chime, choirs sing, and children light the way prior to Christkindl’s appearance to herald in the markt. This ceremony, free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. on the west hillside of the Monastery Immaculate Conception, the “Castle on the Hill” as the locals call it. A bake sale hosted by the Sisters of St. Benedict follows inside the crypt.
Ferdinand, Indiana, is located on Indiana State Road 162, one mile north of I-64, at Exit 63, 45 minutes east of Evansville, Indiana and one-hour west of Louisville, Kentucky. For more information and/or hotel accommodations, visit www.visitduboiscountychristmas.com or contact 1-800-968-4578.
Second shuttle for around town
In addition to the shuttle bus visiting the six markt sites, a second shuttle can be accessed at Forest Park High School to visit venues around town, including Traditional Arts Today, a gift shop offering hand crafted items with a modern twist and the Ferdinand Antique Emporium, one of the largest antique shops in the Midwest.
Look for both businesses logos on the sides of the shuttle and catch the free shuttle in the loop on the east side of the high school.
American Legion
All Stitches by Deb — embroidery towels, shirts, seasonal snowmen, stick horses, etc.
All that Glitters — fused glass pendants, home decor, wine bottle art Artisan Homestead — artisan goats milk soap, shampoo, dog shampoo, laundry soap, natural skincare product
Buck Creek Winery — award-winning wine
Crafts by Carol — grapevine trees, painted windows, recycled wood decor Cedar Hill Baskets — handmade baskets
Cheryl Davis — antique items with Christmas arrangements
Crazy Chicken Lady — whimsical watercolor chicken pictures
Custom Glass Creations — custom glass bird feeders
East Mullberry Designs — hand-painted silk scarves, cork items, fabric trees, wood and resin jewelry
Fabri-K-Tions — Embroidery/sewing dolls, bags, key fob, pouches and home decor
Ferdinand Processing — sausage and cheese
Hoosier Sugar Daddy — hand-crafted flavored syrups
Sandy Lee’s Crafts — uniquely crafted lighted glass snowmen
Fest Woodworking — oak children’s rockers and table and chairs
Ferdinand Elementary
Ben’s Soft Pretzels — jumbo soft pretzels, hot chocolate
Blue Eyed Owls — key fobs, up-cycled owls, dog pillows, metal home decor, t-shirt scarves
Cedar Creations — cedar and old barn wood items
Cheesecake Fairy — cheesecake, cake balls
Colonial Wagon and Wheel Two — Handcrafted metal art for the home, patio, lawn and garden
Fistful of Tacos — tacos, burritos, nachos (food truck)
Frayed Edges — Christmas stockings, table runners, painted ornaments, painted wood
French Ridge Pottery — handmade ceramic work
Hannah’s Herbs & Everlasting — floral/Christmas arrangements
Jane’s Crafts — wreaths, floral, decorated bottles, jars and vases
JavAroma Roasters — coffee products, drinks, cider
Marlene Gaither — loom weaving, rag rugs, table runners, placemates, dried flowers, etc.
Neat Stuff Decor — unique one-of-a-kind crafted hand-crafted home decor items and repurposed furniture
Phyllis & Jane’s Creations — Hand-painted glassware, ornaments, knitting and oil paintings
Primitive Porch — home decor, snowman families, wooden picture frames
Quilted Creations — quilted purses, ruffles purses and yard flags
RL Merder Designs — artisan jewelry
Salt Sisters — gourmet salts, seasonings and dips
Signs by Joyce — inspirational wooden signs
Simply Lilac — hand-sewn items for the kitchen and more
Studio 4905 — original art, watercolor, acrylic, oil
Treebor Woods — handmade wooden toys
Twins Suds & Stuff — handcrafted soaps, body butter, bath bombs, sugar scrubs
Upcycled by Becky — upcycled/repurposed home decor
Lower commons
Art by Bill — hand-painted furniture, Christmas sleds, Santa paintings, snowmen
Cookies Round the Clock — cookies, rolling pins, pizza cutters, coffee scoops, etc.
The Country Lamb — art, framed pictures, signs
Cumberland Plants — perennial and annual succulents for indoor and outdoor use
Crystal’s Creative Touch — hairbows and accessories
Deidre Nabors Studio — polymer clay jewelry
D’s Unique Wreath Boutique — wreaths, floral arrangements, wood signs and tree toppers
Forest Park Band Boosters — burgers, brats, chili, chicken and dumplings, barbecue, chips, fruit, bottled drinks
Forston Farms — local honey and all natural skin and hair products
Face Painting by Ruth — Face-painting: Christmas designs, small to full face designs
Hopf’s Pies Plus — pies, holiday treats, stollen fruitcakes, springerlies, fudge, peanut and pecan brittle
I Got it from Santa Claus — decorative painting
Imagination Set in Stone, LLC — custom landscape boulders
Lincoln Trail Fine Furniture — shaker oval boxes, turned bowls, baskets, carriers
Nate’s Candy Jar — gourmet fudge, caramels, Fido’s Fudge
RAS Woodwork — handmade pens, razors, pepper mills
Scarves by Mary Lou — scarves, headbands, flower clips, fashion accessories and wraps
Sew Much More — crochet items, wreaths, embroidery items, wooden signs
Wibbly Wobbly Crafts — handcrafted toys and bags
Monastery
Apartap Lures — handmade fishing lures
Apple A Day — gourmet caramel apples, peanut clusters
Artsycricket — children and adult hats, ear warmers, scarves, boot cuffs, stuffed toys, wearable toys
Basketina’s — handmade baskets and lye soap
Birkat Adonai Farm — aromatherapy, essential oils, goat milk soap, therapeutic skincare
Bonfire Pottery — functional and decorative pottery
Cathy’s Custom Metalwork — metal art
3 Chicks Fudgery — various flavors of fudge
Clark Concessions — roasted nuts – almonds, cashews, pecans
Charlie’s Woodworking — painted and stained outdoor decor, nativity scenes, birdhouses
Country Creations — barnwood home decor
Crosses by Eric — wooden crosses, bowls, boxes, goblets and wood burnings
Deborah’s Homemade Gifts — double-line blankets and quilts, mittens, towels, scarves, baby blankets, pillows
Designs by Dawn — steam-punk and vintage inspired jewelry
Enid and Elle — hand-designed graphic tee shirts
Ferdinand K of C — walking tacos, pork tenderloin, chicken breasts, polish sausage and sauerkraut, drinks
Harold Brown Arts — paintings and large canvas prints
Holy Card Treasures — hand-cut paper lace holy cards, magnets and Christmas ornaments
Hot Hot Lover — seasonings and dry rubs
Huber Winery — wine and wine-tasting
Inspiration Carvers — woodcarvings, laser engraved shadow boxes and signs
JavAroma Roasters — coffee, hot cider, hot chocolate
Just Your Type — vintage typewriter, dictionary and map jewelry
Kimmie Krafts — jalapeno jelly, holiday breads
Minnesota Mitten Co. — up-cycled sweaters, mittens, pillows and fingerless gloves
Monastery Baked Goods — bread, rolls, springerles, and other artisan cookies
Monkey Hollow Winery — wine and wine glasses
One Oak Up — up-cycled leather and silver jewelry, accessories
One of a Chime — handmade wind chimes
Pepper’s Ridge Winery — wine and wine tasting
Prestige Affairs — snowmen, winter decor
Reissued Books — reissued books and paper art
Rhonda Smith — gnomes and related items
Sage House Market — home decor, signs and ornaments
Sculptures by Jay in Kentucky — whimsical original sculptured cement yard art by Jay Risner
Stitch It, LLC — embroidered Christmas goods
Twin Heart Gourds — gourds with clay enhancements fashioned into cats
Vicki Wilson Art — acrylic paintings, specializing in whimsical animals
Wire and Wood — scrabble art signs
Kimbery’s Creations — turned pens, knitted necklaces and scarves
Practice gym
beandog — pillow/towel/towel/wrap/Christmas items
Blue Ridge Designs — jewelry
Brenda & Becky — crocheted scarves, headbands, afghans, hand-painted snowmen, wood turnings
Country Comforts, LLC — bath and body (soaps and lotions)
Country Sweet Rolls — cinnamon rolls, pumpkin rolls, holiday bread, springerles, German frosted pecans
Craft Creations By Sandy — lighted bottles, lamps, cheese trays, soap dispensers, blankets and wreaths
Designs by Dawn — Coppersmith jewelry
Ferdinand Historical Society — ornaments, books, Streusel — free vendor coffee
Fiber Necklaces — fiber necklaces and earrings
FPHS Band Boosters — food booth
Geri’s Wine Art — art from wine bottles
Gifts & More — lighted Christmas trees, snowmen, wreaths, table runners
Glass by Lisa — handmade glass items (hummingbirds, ornaments and animals)
Gourd Lady — gourds, snowmen, towels
Happy Heart Designs — handcrafted wood signs and crafts
Hats by Patricia — handcrafted hats
Hearts & Crafts of Greenbrier — country folk art
KJF Pottery — pottery
LC’s Creative Country Crafts — holiday decor (wreaths, sleds, trees, etc.)
Maia Design — handcrafted gemstones, mixed metal jewelry, rosaries
Pokorney’s Kettle Korn & Crafts — kettle korn, pork rinds, yard decor
Psi Iota Xi — cheeseballs
Ruth’s Quilted Creations — old quilts and chenilles made into animals, Santa, snowmen
Sewn Together — tag blankets, tag balls, children’s aprons, tooth fairy pillows, burp cloths
Sheila’s Sculpted Jewelry — wire-wrapped jewelry
Shirley & Deb’s Quilts & Florals — dolls, quilts and throws, baked potato bags, purses and more
Susan Lester — primitive snowmen (cloth/wooden) ornaments
The Giving Tree — recycled wood, bluebird boxes, hiking sticks, nuts
Woodcarvings by Offerman — wood carvings
Yvonne Tharp — snowmen, Santa, trees, ornaments
Ferdinand Community Center
Allen Berg Woodcarving — hand-carved items wood pieces from native Indiana trees
Anne’s Handmade Ideas — handmade quilted bags, kitchen items and accessories
American Heritage Cutting Boards — hand crafted cutting boards
Betty Houze — jewelry, hats, ornaments
Country Cottage — painted slate, sleds, light bulb ornaments and decorative paintings
Crafts by Betty — Christmas and country
DJ’s Gifts from Santa Claus — hand-forged sterling silver and copper
Donnakins — gemstone and beaded jewelry, accessories and ornaments
Earth Drops — all natural handcrafted vegetable based soaps, gift sets, luffa sponges, gourd birdhouses
Ferdinand Extension Homemakers — baked goods, candy, crafts, gifts
Ferdinand Kiwanis — homemade mock turtle soup by the bowl and by the gallon, 1/3 lb. sirloin burgers, homemade potato chips, chicken salad on croissants, marinated chicken breasts, brats, coffee, and drinks
Fine Design Jewelry — handmade sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry
French Lick Winery — wine, gift baskets, wine related items
French Ridge Candles — soy candles, wax melts, handmade soap, oils and sprays
Heather’s Sewing and More — car seat covers, headbands, baby bibs, burp cloths, swaddle blankets
Jan Wahl Designs — hand-painted porcelain, jewelry, enamelware
Linda’s Beadery — semi-precious stone jewelry, magnetic, therapeutic jewelry
Little Angel Creations — roasted nuts, candy, cookies, fudge, bread
Nine Dragon Studios — Sterling silver jewelry, carvings
Randy’s Woodworking — wooden outdoor holiday decorations
Ridgecraft Farm — jams, jellies, hot sauce, salt, spice blends, condiments
Shakerag Weavers — loom woven rugs, placemats, purses, infinity wraps, scarves, felted hats
Special Touch — primitives, sewing, soaps, etc.
Stampin’ Mart — rubber-stamped items, greeting cards, paper crafts
Strings & Things — crocheted and sewn items
SV Calligraphy & Art — hand-painted, personalized ornaments, wineglasses, hand-painted slate plaques
Sweet Bees Studio — handmade purses, accessories, baby gifts
Sweet-D-Licious Kettle Corn — kettle corn
Tana D. Orth, DBA — art, barn quilts, seasonal decor, personalized ornaments, canvas art
The Smith Shoppe — Christmas decorations
Tom Crecelius, Artist — original artwork and prints
Truelove Antler Art — antler and fur art
Junior High gym
ABC Designs — hair bows, flower clippies, magnetic jewelry
Alycia Ficklin
Amish Leather Works
Candles by Jenni — soy candles, novelty soaps
Crochet Me That — crocheted scarves, headbands, wristlets
Deb’s Crafts — wood snowmen, turkey, Santa, and more
Dip Chick Dip — soups, dips, cheese balls, mixes
Ferns Fashions
Flaky Friends — painted old windows, wood snowmen
Hillbilly Soap Sudz — homemade soap/lotions, sugar scrubs, bath bombs
Hot Off the Lathe — handmade pepper mills, pens, cheeseboards, cutting boards
Kaiser’s Wooden Toys — wooden toys
Knit-N-Stuff — machine knit dishcloths, circle scarves, musical baby blankets, wooden pens
Larry Green Woodcarving — whimsical caricatures carved in wood
Moose Run Embossing — stainless steel rings, pendants and bracelets, hand-hammered and personalized while customer waits
Oma Gisi’s German Bakery — baked German goods
Paper Elements — greeting cards, tags, and ornaments
Photos and Sewing — nature and local landscape photos, beaded jewelry, small Christmas items
Potieres 3 — functional pottery (located in hallway outside gym)
Quarry Creek Farm — farmhouse barnwood and pallet decor, laser engraved signs, barnwood holiday decor
Romy’s Mud & Metal — handmade pottery, mixed metals jewelry
Spirits in the Wood — hand-carved walking sticks, woodcarving
The Tree House — wire sculpture trees on marble bases
Usborne Books & More — high quality, educational children’s books
Zee Crafty Ones — scarves and Swarovski crystal jewelry, handmade items
YMCA
Anna J. Shaes Antiques
Antiques by Doris
Beth’s Treasure House Antiques
Books of the Ages
Carousel Winery
Cathy’s Antiques
Cox’s Collectibles
Dubois County Humane Society
Elaine Burdick
Finder’s Keepers
Finley’s Antiques & Collectibles
Gooseberry Hill
Harmony Antique Co.
Hudson House Antiques
Jan Tillman
Jody’s Antiques
Judy Fryer Antiques
Lick Creek
Litchfield Antiques
Maggie Vera
Nathan Posey
Odin Roasted Nuts
Old 2 New 4 You
Rusty & Paula Crowell
Schnitzelbank Catering
Schroeder’s Antiques
Some Sharp Antiques
Stay Brewed
Summer Tree
Teresa Whitelaw
Warren and Argie Harold
Winzerwald Winery
For more additional information and content please refer to The Spencer County Leader or Ferdinand News for the Christkindlemarkt insert.
