Holiday Triple Treat

CHRISTKINDL STARRY NIGHT MEMORIES

NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 59 TRIPLE TREAT T

for ways to enliven a struggling downtown So people came to Kitchener City Hall core. Bergmeier approached council with curious to experience their first “Christ- a Canadian vision of his idyllic childhood kindlmarkt,” originally called “Nikolaus- Christmas. And as Kitchener, formerly dult,” which dates back to the Middle Ages. Berlin, possessed a strong German heritage, Now Christkindl (pronounced “kriss- collaborations began for the creation of a kindle”) sits on the list of the Top 50 new city centre festival. Festivals and Events in Ontario, with MerryEven as it approaches its ChristkindlBY CORAL ANDREWS Bergmeier visited many markets through- thousands attending each year. From Dec. 20th year in Kitchener, this PHOTOGRAPHY • COURTESY OF CHRISTKINDL out Waterloo Region to find vendor pals. 3 to 6, people from around the region, MARKET He asked them if they would come to visitors from the United States and Europe, ancient German festival support him at the first Christkindl. He also and others experience this four-day event to continues to grow and have When Tony Bergmeier was a young lad invited several musical friends to provide signal the beginning of . growing up in Munich, , one of his live entertainment, eventually recruiting 45 For the opening ceremonies, people cross-cultural appeal OPPOSITE: German folk dancers are a staple at fondest childhood memories was celebrat- vendors and several regional performers. gather at Victoria Park’s Clock Tower for a of the holy couple looking for the inn and Christkindl, a four-day festival of cultural glitz. ing Christmas in the city square with his “Kitchener was such a great fit,” says singalong and the illumination of the trees the birth of the Christ child. TOP: Crowds parade from Victoria Park to Kitchener family and friends. Astrid Braun, president of Christkindl in the park during the Festival of Lights. Christmas carols ring out as everyone City Hall during Christkindl. It was an Old World wonderland, with Market. “The reason for this German Led by Mary, Joseph and their donkeys, parades along Gaukel Street to Carl Zehr ABOVE: Christkindl, third from left, is the Christ everything from dazzling live entertainment market is for the vendors to share, exchange the crowd — carrying candles and lanterns Square and the Live Nativity, where German child, and is usually a teenage girl. Here, she’s with to mouth-watering seasonal treats. things and sell food. And we are known for — leaves the clock tower to the sound of “gift bringer” Christkindl, her two angels her two angels and , St. Nick’s In 1996, the City of Kitchener was looking our markets,” she says. church bells and trumpet fanfare, in honour and St. Nick’s folkloric companion Knecht folkloric companion.

60 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 61 TRIPLE TREAT T

for ways to enliven a struggling downtown So people came to Kitchener City Hall core. Bergmeier approached council with curious to experience their first “Christ- a Canadian vision of his idyllic childhood kindlmarkt,” originally called “Nikolaus- Christmas. And as Kitchener, formerly dult,” which dates back to the Middle Ages. Berlin, possessed a strong German heritage, Now Christkindl (pronounced “kriss- collaborations began for the creation of a kindle”) sits on the list of the Top 50 new city centre festival. Festivals and Events in Ontario, with MerryEven as it approaches its ChristkindlBY CORAL ANDREWS Bergmeier visited many markets through- thousands attending each year. From Dec. 20th year in Kitchener, this PHOTOGRAPHY • COURTESY OF CHRISTKINDL out Waterloo Region to find vendor pals. 3 to 6, people from around the region, MARKET He asked them if they would come to visitors from the United States and Europe, ancient German festival support him at the first Christkindl. He also and others experience this four-day event to continues to grow and have When Tony Bergmeier was a young lad invited several musical friends to provide signal the beginning of Advent. growing up in Munich, Germany, one of his live entertainment, eventually recruiting 45 For the opening ceremonies, people cross-cultural appeal OPPOSITE: German folk dancers are a staple at fondest childhood memories was celebrat- vendors and several regional performers. gather at Victoria Park’s Clock Tower for a of the holy couple looking for the inn and Christkindl, a four-day festival of cultural glitz. ing Christmas in the city square with his “Kitchener was such a great fit,” says singalong and the illumination of the trees the birth of the Christ child. TOP: Crowds parade from Victoria Park to Kitchener family and friends. Astrid Braun, president of Christkindl in the park during the Festival of Lights. Christmas carols ring out as everyone City Hall during Christkindl. It was an Old World wonderland, with Market. “The reason for this German Led by Mary, Joseph and their donkeys, parades along Gaukel Street to Carl Zehr ABOVE: Christkindl, third from left, is the Christ everything from dazzling live entertainment market is for the vendors to share, exchange the crowd — carrying candles and lanterns Square and the Live Nativity, where German child, and is usually a teenage girl. Here, she’s with to mouth-watering seasonal treats. things and sell food. And we are known for — leaves the clock tower to the sound of “gift bringer” Christkindl, her two angels her two angels and Knecht Ruprecht, St. Nick’s In 1996, the City of Kitchener was looking our markets,” she says. church bells and trumpet fanfare, in honour and St. Nick’s folkloric companion Knecht folkloric companion.

60 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 61 CHRISTKINDL: BY THE NUMBERS

19 Number of years festival has been celebrated in Kitchener

70+ Number of vendors each year, some of which have been there from the start

10-20 buses carrying high school students and seniors that arrive at the festival each year from Ontario, Michigan and New York

28+ live performances on stage and and at other festival locations each year

$75,000+ money invested Indoors at Christkindl, the multi-track miniature trains are a big attraction for wide-eyed little ones. The towering Tannenbaum at Kitchener City Hall alights with a wave of Christkindl’s hand. over the years by Fred and Jenny Aldred (with founder, the late Fred Aldred Sr.) who have been displaying their model trains at Ruprecht await. weather, this market is also indoors. Christkindl since 2000 “Christkindl is the Christ child, basically. Vendors and children’s workshops and The festival’s signature wooden huts and friends. They come, stay in a bed and She is usually a teenage girl and she walks other activities take over city hall’s rotunda booths have displays from vendors far breakfast, and spend the entire weekend.” $80,000 funds raised at the with two angels,” says Monica Reid, and other floors. and wide. Their seasonal offerings include Reid estimates about 40,000 people attend festival for Children’s Wish Foundation marketing chair for Christkindl Market. Indoors, wide-eyed little ones delight at traditional clothing, glass-blown ornaments, each year, and they expect more American over the past 18 years Adds Braun, with a laugh: “My son says multi-track miniature trains and model handcrafted jewelry, toys, dolls, German visitors this year because of the low ‘Mum, if I try to explain that whole concept steam engines. Craft workshops include specialty foods and custom-made crafts. Canadian loonie. 500 students in North America’s larg- to anybody else they think I am crazy Kinderecke, where younger children and “We have them coming in from all over Christkindl has been partnering with because how does the Baby translate parents learn to make their own Christmas Ontario, including Thunder Bay, Northern Children’s Wish Foundation from its first est Saturday German School, Concordia From left: Cathy Lumb, vice-president, Christkindl all of sudden into a beautiful young crafts. Outdoors, children marvel at antique Ontario and also B.C.,” says Braun. “We year, and has raised $70,000 to date. German Language School, supported by Market; Monica Reid, marketing chair; and Astrid

woman?’” organ grinder/concertina player, Klaus PHOTOGRAPHY • CHRISTKINDL MARKET AND DIETER HELLER use social media for the vendor applica- Both Reid and Braun have noticed more the event Braun, president. Braun admits the image does get a bit lost Wehrenberg, who has been performing tions. It is a juried program, so we have university and college students at the in translation. at the market since 2000 with monkey maybe 150 applications. We now have event because of social media. They’ve also From opening procession to closing 35,000 apple fritters consumed Traditional welcomes trill from the puppet Ovambo. Wehrenberg is preserving over 70 vendors….” witnessed many random acts of kindness, ceremonies, Christkindl has fine traditions, balcony, followed by an opening prologue the legacy of live street entertainment long hristkindl celebrates its 20th including a woman buying a present for a but a new one has emerged in recent years. Data provided by Christkindl Market. by Christkindl and her angels. associated with the festival. anniversary next year. The festival child whose mother was short on funds. The Christmas Pickle stems from ye olde “Christkindl declares her market open Blacksmiths show off their work and Cenjoys continuing support from “Santa does not always wear a red suit,” German gift exchange. with the wave of her hand and says: ‘Let warm up the square with their coal-fuelled the Kitchener Downtown Business Associa- muses Reid softly, adding that festival “Whoever finds the (hidden) pickle there be light,’ which then turns on the forges, as onlookers gather at their booths tion, corporate sponsors and a growing, giveaway baskets often go to those who ornament on the tree gets an extra gift,” lights in the square,” says Braun. to ask questions about one of yesteryear’s culturally diverse community. need them most. explains Reid. As the towering Tannenbaum sparkles, the noble trades. “We had one family that came one year Braun enjoys the busy atmosphere, which “Oh Tannenbaum. Oh Tannenbaum. Grand Philharmonic Choir sings a rousing Entertainment abounds in four days of and they wanted all kinds of info before generates “electricity” for customers and Wie grün sind deine gurken,” meaning Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.” cultural glitz that include German folk they came,” says Reid. “The next year vendors. “Oh . Oh Christmas Tree. These festive German markets are mostly dancers, choirs, puppet shows and brass they brought their immediate family. The “If they are financially successful, they are How green are your pickles!” Braun says, outdoors, says Braun, but due to Canadian bands. following year they brought all of their happy, we are happy,” she says. laughing. PHOTOGRAPHY • CHRISTKINDL MARKET AND MARLENE SCHILLING

62 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 63 CHRISTKINDL: BY THE NUMBERS

19 Number of years festival has been celebrated in Kitchener

70+ Number of vendors each year, some of which have been there from the start

10-20 buses carrying high school students and seniors that arrive at the festival each year from Ontario, Michigan and New York

28+ live performances on stage and and at other festival locations each year

$75,000+ money invested Indoors at Christkindl, the multi-track miniature trains are a big attraction for wide-eyed little ones. The towering Tannenbaum at Kitchener City Hall alights with a wave of Christkindl’s hand. over the years by Fred and Jenny Aldred (with founder, the late Fred Aldred Sr.) who have been displaying their model trains at Ruprecht await. weather, this market is also indoors. Christkindl since 2000 “Christkindl is the Christ child, basically. Vendors and children’s workshops and The festival’s signature wooden huts and friends. They come, stay in a bed and She is usually a teenage girl and she walks other activities take over city hall’s rotunda booths have displays from vendors far breakfast, and spend the entire weekend.” $80,000 funds raised at the with two angels,” says Monica Reid, and other floors. and wide. Their seasonal offerings include Reid estimates about 40,000 people attend festival for Children’s Wish Foundation marketing chair for Christkindl Market. Indoors, wide-eyed little ones delight at traditional clothing, glass-blown ornaments, each year, and they expect more American over the past 18 years Adds Braun, with a laugh: “My son says multi-track miniature trains and model handcrafted jewelry, toys, dolls, German visitors this year because of the low ‘Mum, if I try to explain that whole concept steam engines. Craft workshops include specialty foods and custom-made crafts. Canadian loonie. 500 students in North America’s larg- to anybody else they think I am crazy Kinderecke, where younger children and “We have them coming in from all over Christkindl has been partnering with because how does the Baby Jesus translate parents learn to make their own Christmas Ontario, including Thunder Bay, Northern Children’s Wish Foundation from its first est Saturday German School, Concordia From left: Cathy Lumb, vice-president, Christkindl all of sudden into a beautiful young crafts. Outdoors, children marvel at antique Ontario and also B.C.,” says Braun. “We year, and has raised $70,000 to date. German Language School, supported by Market; Monica Reid, marketing chair; and Astrid woman?’” organ grinder/concertina player, Klaus PHOTOGRAPHY • CHRISTKINDL MARKET AND DIETER HELLER use social media for the vendor applica- Both Reid and Braun have noticed more the event Braun, president. Braun admits the image does get a bit lost Wehrenberg, who has been performing tions. It is a juried program, so we have university and college students at the in translation. at the market since 2000 with monkey maybe 150 applications. We now have event because of social media. They’ve also From opening procession to closing 35,000 apple fritters consumed Traditional welcomes trill from the puppet Ovambo. Wehrenberg is preserving over 70 vendors….” witnessed many random acts of kindness, ceremonies, Christkindl has fine traditions, balcony, followed by an opening prologue the legacy of live street entertainment long hristkindl celebrates its 20th including a woman buying a present for a but a new one has emerged in recent years. Data provided by Christkindl Market. by Christkindl and her angels. associated with the festival. anniversary next year. The festival child whose mother was short on funds. The Christmas Pickle stems from ye olde “Christkindl declares her market open Blacksmiths show off their work and Cenjoys continuing support from “Santa does not always wear a red suit,” German Christmas Eve gift exchange. with the wave of her hand and says: ‘Let warm up the square with their coal-fuelled the Kitchener Downtown Business Associa- muses Reid softly, adding that festival “Whoever finds the (hidden) pickle there be light,’ which then turns on the tree forges, as onlookers gather at their booths tion, corporate sponsors and a growing, giveaway baskets often go to those who ornament on the tree gets an extra gift,” lights in the square,” says Braun. to ask questions about one of yesteryear’s culturally diverse community. need them most. explains Reid. As the towering Tannenbaum sparkles, the noble trades. “We had one family that came one year Braun enjoys the busy atmosphere, which “Oh Tannenbaum. Oh Tannenbaum. Grand Philharmonic Choir sings a rousing Entertainment abounds in four days of and they wanted all kinds of info before generates “electricity” for customers and Wie grün sind deine gurken,” meaning Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.” cultural glitz that include German folk they came,” says Reid. “The next year vendors. “Oh Christmas Tree. Oh Christmas Tree. These festive German markets are mostly dancers, choirs, puppet shows and brass they brought their immediate family. The “If they are financially successful, they are How green are your pickles!” Braun says, outdoors, says Braun, but due to Canadian bands. following year they brought all of their happy, we are happy,” she says. laughing. PHOTOGRAPHY • CHRISTKINDL MARKET AND MARLENE SCHILLING

62 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 63 explains Heller. “And if there were no do in his retirement years. So he started fatalities in the mine that year, they all hung researching vintage toys. their lanterns across the entrance of the “As for my mother, she had this intrigue mine.” with dolls because she never really had a Schwibbogens were originally crafted from doll when she was a child,” says Schilling. iron until the 20th century, when wood “She never used any kind of a pattern. She became more popular. Heller uses specially just looked at a doll and said, ‘I think she made plywood with maple veneer and a would look nice in this,’ and she would use mahogany core, and a fine-blade coping the doll itself for measurements and create saw for this intricate work. these things which ended up being works His latest light bow, which he’s bringing to of art.” this year’s Christkindl, represents the city Schilling outfits toys, including old-style outline of Dresden, Germany, bombed in rubber dolls, China dolls and “standard” 1945 during the Second World War. The Barbies, in period costumes made in fabrics city, which was rebuilt, is famous for its such as cotton, silk and satin. Hilde Scheid as jovial Mrs. selling sausages and ‘foot longs’ at her Cloverleaf Farms stall. Procession of Princes, a mural that’s 105 Schilling’s husband Frank, whose father feet long and made of 40,000 pieces of was also a carpenter, learned woodcutting The Schilling family came to Christkindl Ladders, “tumble tikes” (who sit on a ladder ceramic porcelain tile. patterns from his wife’s father and uses a in 1997 after festival founder Bergmeier and fall down) and walking elephants. “The piece that I built … took me the variety of power tools, as well as hand tools invited her father to the festival. The “We are trying to expand a little bit into better part of 100 hours to recreate,” for the finer work. Marlene, her daughters family spends summers at the cottage near the 20th century by making games and says Heller, who also handcrafts German Laura, 32, and Sarah, 23, and sister-in-law, Goderich preparing for Christkindl. There, more educational puzzles and things like Dieter Heller of Three Oaks Crafts with his masterfully crafted ‘schwiboggens.’ wooden pyramids, representing the towers Audrey (Aadri Horn of Adri’s chocolates), they fashion a variety of homegrown ash that,” says Marlene. of the mine. assist with painting and woodwork. Her and pine products “from raw stump to toy” Silver Thistle’s toys cater to all ages, from Heller, a retiree from Frankfurt, Germany, son David, 28, helps with sales. including carousels, spinning tops, Jacob’s newborns to seniors, including an 86-year- started woodcrafting because of a trip to East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. While shopping, his wife “fell in love with a big pyramid in the window.” “I saw the price. As stingy as I am I fell, out of love with it. Me and my big mouth, I said I could do it better myself,” says Heller with a laugh, adding he visits Germany each year in search of new patterns, candles and hand-carved figurines for his shop. This year marks Heller’s 15th year at MEET 4 CHRISTKINDL VENDORS Christkindl. “You are stepping into city hall and you Three Oak Crafts are stepping into a complete new world. Dieter Heller Everything around you fascinates you, and Like Santa in his workshop, Dieter Heller, there are so many different things. And that spends his winters working on special just keeps me going.” Christmas pieces called “schwibbogens” ABOVE AND RIGHT: A handcrafted wooden elephant (from the German word “schwebebogen”), The Silver Thistle and doll in period costume from The Silver Thistle, or “light bows,” an art form originating Marlene and Frank Schilling co-owned by Marlene and Frank Schilling. from Germany’s Ore Mountains in Central At The Silver Thistle, named after an Europe. Alpine flower, co-owners Marlene and “The schwibbogen is the floating arch, Frank Schilling honour her parents’ 40-year which represents the entrance of the legacy selling handcrafted wooden histori- mines. An old story has it that at the end cal toys and period costumes for dolls. of the year, all the miners gather in front In 1976, Marlene’s father, a master of the mines to celebrate Christmas time,” carpenter, was looking for something to HOME THEATRE DESIGN & INSTALLATION • HOME CONTROL FROM IPAD / IPHONE/ ITOUCH • PRE WIRE – NEW & EXISTING HOMES • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS • LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS • MOTORIZED SHADES & WINDOW COVERINGS

64 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 65 explains Heller. “And if there were no do in his retirement years. So he started fatalities in the mine that year, they all hung researching vintage toys. their lanterns across the entrance of the “As for my mother, she had this intrigue mine.” with dolls because she never really had a Schwibbogens were originally crafted from doll when she was a child,” says Schilling. iron until the 20th century, when wood “She never used any kind of a pattern. She became more popular. Heller uses specially just looked at a doll and said, ‘I think she made plywood with maple veneer and a would look nice in this,’ and she would use mahogany core, and a fine-blade coping the doll itself for measurements and create saw for this intricate work. these things which ended up being works His latest light bow, which he’s bringing to of art.” this year’s Christkindl, represents the city Schilling outfits toys, including old-style outline of Dresden, Germany, bombed in rubber dolls, China dolls and “standard” 1945 during the Second World War. The Barbies, in period costumes made in fabrics city, which was rebuilt, is famous for its such as cotton, silk and satin. Hilde Scheid as jovial Mrs. Santa Claus selling sausages and ‘foot longs’ at her Cloverleaf Farms stall. Procession of Princes, a mural that’s 105 Schilling’s husband Frank, whose father feet long and made of 40,000 pieces of was also a carpenter, learned woodcutting The Schilling family came to Christkindl Ladders, “tumble tikes” (who sit on a ladder ceramic porcelain tile. patterns from his wife’s father and uses a in 1997 after festival founder Bergmeier and fall down) and walking elephants. “The piece that I built … took me the variety of power tools, as well as hand tools invited her father to the festival. The “We are trying to expand a little bit into better part of 100 hours to recreate,” for the finer work. Marlene, her daughters family spends summers at the cottage near the 20th century by making games and says Heller, who also handcrafts German Laura, 32, and Sarah, 23, and sister-in-law, Goderich preparing for Christkindl. There, more educational puzzles and things like Dieter Heller of Three Oaks Crafts with his masterfully crafted ‘schwiboggens.’ wooden pyramids, representing the towers Audrey (Aadri Horn of Adri’s chocolates), they fashion a variety of homegrown ash that,” says Marlene. of the mine. assist with painting and woodwork. Her and pine products “from raw stump to toy” Silver Thistle’s toys cater to all ages, from Heller, a retiree from Frankfurt, Germany, son David, 28, helps with sales. including carousels, spinning tops, Jacob’s newborns to seniors, including an 86-year- started woodcrafting because of a trip to East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. While shopping, his wife “fell in love with a big pyramid in the window.” “I saw the price. As stingy as I am I fell, out of love with it. Me and my big mouth, I said I could do it better myself,” says Heller with a laugh, adding he visits Germany each year in search of new patterns, candles and hand-carved figurines for his shop. This year marks Heller’s 15th year at MEET 4 CHRISTKINDL VENDORS Christkindl. “You are stepping into city hall and you Three Oak Crafts are stepping into a complete new world. Dieter Heller Everything around you fascinates you, and Like Santa in his workshop, Dieter Heller, there are so many different things. And that spends his winters working on special just keeps me going.” Christmas pieces called “schwibbogens” ABOVE AND RIGHT: A handcrafted wooden elephant (from the German word “schwebebogen”), The Silver Thistle and doll in period costume from The Silver Thistle, or “light bows,” an art form originating Marlene and Frank Schilling co-owned by Marlene and Frank Schilling. from Germany’s Ore Mountains in Central At The Silver Thistle, named after an Europe. Alpine flower, co-owners Marlene and “The schwibbogen is the floating arch, Frank Schilling honour her parents’ 40-year which represents the entrance of the legacy selling handcrafted wooden histori- mines. An old story has it that at the end cal toys and period costumes for dolls. of the year, all the miners gather in front In 1976, Marlene’s father, a master of the mines to celebrate Christmas time,” carpenter, was looking for something to HOME THEATRE DESIGN & INSTALLATION • HOME CONTROL FROM IPAD / IPHONE/ ITOUCH • PRE WIRE – NEW & EXISTING HOMES • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS • LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEMS • MOTORIZED SHADES & WINDOW COVERINGS

64 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015 GRAND 65 fritters and people were devastated,” says Braun. Reid goes on to explain that the St. Mary’s Catholic Church ladies group had been frying apple fritters in a wooden hut until the fire department closed them down. Safety laws dictated that, in the outdoors, fritters could be cooked only in a metal trailer. But where to find fritter makers that came up to code? In 2011, festival organizers discovered Das Fritter Haus, which since then has operated in its familiar spot beside Since 2011, the Fritter Haus, co-owned by brothers Fred and Peter Trautrim has operated in its familiar spot the four flagpoles near a corner of Kitchener beside the four flagpoles near a corner of Kitchener City Hall’s skating rink. City Hall’s skating rink. It’s run by brothers Fred and Peter Trautrim, who have been coming to Christkindl for 19 years. They laugh as they old gentleman from Barrie who had been custom-packaged Christmas hams, summer recollect their first Christkindl as vendors. looking for Jacob’s Ladders for about 40 sausages in cotton bags, pepperettes and “When Fred and I started we went in as years and bought several of theirs at the other deli meats. greenhorns, having no idea what we were getting festival. “The product pretty well stays the same into and how big it would get,” says Peter. “Anyone can play with a toy,” she says, because people ask for the same thing every An experienced baker, Peter asked his adding that it’s a universal thing that spans year,” says Scheid. “They phone us and they wife Joan if he could use her grandmother’s all ethnicities and religions. “You can say make sure you bring this and this.” apple fritter recipe, which he then adapted really see that it brings a smile to a kid’s Her sons, butchers Peter and Danny for Das Fritter Haus. face and there is nothing more important or Scheid, and daughter-in law, Angie Scheid, Fred says they order stock a month ahead, better than that.” who runs their St Jacob’s outlet store, work with the apples supplied by a family-run together between the indoor and outdoor farm in Tavistock. He says he sells about Cloverleaf Farms vendor booths. 1,500 to 1,800 pounds of apples during the Hilde Scheid Families skating on the rink in front city festival. What would a German Christmas hall often drop by for a hot chocolate or hot The Fritter Haus team prepares and celebration be without traditional fare with their soup and sausage. produces fritters often at “a mad pace,” such as sausage and sauerkraut, goulash, “It gives me the Christmas spirit,” says working at trailer stations, starting in the smoked turkey legs, beer burgers, chili and Scheid. “I have been at the Christkindl in prep area where they peel and core the homemade soup? Germany three times already and it is the apples, which are then machine sliced into It’s no surprise to see Hilde Scheid as same thing. I love this kind of Christmas. rings and deep fried. jovial Mrs. Santa selling sausage on a bun Even though it is freezing outside it warms Revellers can eat fritters plain, or topped and sauerkraut and “foot longs,” or ladling me up inside.” with cinnamon sugar topping, whipped out her signature homestyle ham and pea cream, chocolate syrup, or Elmira maple soup taken from her mother’s special blend Das Fritter Haus syrup. The fritter “plate” is four plain apple of ingredients. Fred and Peter Trautrim fritters with maple syrup and whipped cream. Scheid says her family has been at Christ- Christkindl’s also known for traditional “When we dish that out, it is usually with kindl since the first year. deserts and libations, particularly the non- two forks,” says Fred, with a knowing “I dress as Santa in eight layers because it alcoholic “Gluhwein.” Sweets chuckle. is so cold and I am outside for 12 hours a include marzipan (fruit cake), The Haus drink specialty is hot chocolate day, maybe more,” explains Scheid, cheer- lebkuchen (spice cake), gigantic soft pretzels, cider, a blend of hot chocolate and apple cider fully adding she sells about 500 hundred strawberry-filled funnel cakes and waffles. with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. sausages a day. But for a while, the festival was missing “We love the energy from the whole Her indoor booth, just inside city hall’s one key confection. Christkindl atmosphere and we feel it right main doors, sells cured and smoked “For two years we did not have apple inside the trailer.”

66 GRAND NOVEMBER I DECEMBER 2015