Oompah! It's Christmas!

The gifts and flavors of the old country fill Lake Mohawk’s boardwalk,By Karl Vonderheyde Sparta - A scattering of silver snowflakes created the perfect atmosphere as the ceremonial ribbon was cut, officially opening this year’s Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market. The “Weihnachtsmarkt” was held on Friday and Saturday at the Lake Mohawk Country Club boardwalk. The castle-like structures provided a European holiday backdrop to the annual event. This year marks the fourth anniversary of the market, and, according to committee chair, Helena Bould, the weather was ideal. “There’s no snowstorm, and none of the tents are being blown away. This is the best weather we’ve ever had,” she said. Bould, in her comments at the opening ceremony, praised her co-workers, members of the country club, local businesses, and sponsors, who begin preparations for the holiday starting January. All the hard work was evident. Everywhere along the boardwalk, holiday traditions overwhelmed the senses. The smells of warm, spiced wine (gluwein,) and, of course, German pastries dressed the chilly air. The Sparta High School Vocal Group and the Sparta Middle School German Singers provided musical entertainment, and there was traditional German folk dancing courtesy of the Lenape Valley Regional High School German Folk Club. The Christmas Market featured some 40 vendors, selling German folk crafts, food, and locally made holiday gifts and goods. Hundreds of people attended the event, the proceeds from which will be donated to local charities, including the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sussex County, the German Language Departments of the Sparta schools, and Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. of Newton. Last year’s Christmas Market raised about $5,000 for the charities. Information about next year’s Weihnachtsmarkt can be found online, at www.lakemohawkgermanchristmasmarket.com