Weihnachsmarkt a Lake Mohawk holiday tradition

Spared — The Fifth Annual German Christmas Market is set for Dec. 1 and 2, with major support from a local co-sponsor for the first time. Newton Memorial Hospital is proud to be associated with this local event, supporting children and families at this time of year. The holiday season will begin as the Boardwalk in Sparta is once again transformed into a bustling Weihnachtsmarkt, or German Christmas Market. This event is now well-established, with a quality selection of fine vendors, musical entertainment, a story telling hour and an appearance by Clear Channel broadcasting. Now in its fifth year, the Christmas market has quickly become a local tradition in Sussex County. The idea was brought to life by a group of volunteers who wanted nothing more than to raise funds for local charities, while creating a unique event that is open to the public along the idyllic boardwalk of the Lake Mohawk County Club. This year, the marketplace will proudly showcase some 40 vendors, which will in turn offer unique and traditional Christmas items for sale, including European chocolates, hand-made glass items and ornaments, wooden pyramids, Estonian woolen goods, fine art, jewelry and the traditional nutcrackers and smoker-men. While visitors personalize their holiday shopping, tantalizing smells will dance between the vendors set along the frozen lake-front. Traditional food items such as sizzling German sausages, goulash, sauerbraten, soups, pastries, pretzels, roasted nuts and warm spiced wine will be prepared against a background of the festive choruses of local school choirs and entertainers. On Saturday morning, Dec. 2, Melanie Reisinger, a local resident and actress, will be conducting a storytelling hour for young children. The continued generosity of previous sponsors allows the group of volunteers to organize this unique event in this truly wonderful setting. Past sponsors include Skyland’s Medical Group’s Drs. Kane and Pampin; Reinauer Transportation of New York and Boston; Live Wires, LLC; Weichert Realtors of Sparta; Cruiser Swim and Tennis Club; Bristol Glen; Dr. Jeffrey Liegner; Custom Wood Furniture; R.S. Phillips Steel, LLC; George P. Sweeny, Esq.; Alicia Shearer, ASID; Simplex Americas, LLC; Blohm + Voss Industries, U.S. branch; Ailish’s Alpine Paint Center; Volvo Rents; ClearChannel; Mohawk Gardens; Olde Lafayette Village; Kelly and Ward, LLC; Take it 4 Granite in Flanders; TOTALogistix; Stephen Candio, DDS; The Plaza Barber Shop and the Lake Mohawk Country Club. “I am thrilled to welcome Bayer Consumer Care, Newton Memorial Hospital and Anderson-Kelly Associates as major sponsors for our 2006 season,” said co-chair Dean Reinauer. According to Trish McKernan, vice president, Global Communications for Bayer Consumer Care in Morristown, “We are pleased to sponsor this ongoing holiday tradition and lend our support to local organizations that contribute to the spirit and vigor of local communities.” The Christmas Market delivers fun and festivity to everyone in Sparta, but importantly, all proceeds raised are then given back to the community. Last year, some $6,000 were distributed locally. Funds raised this year will be donated to Big Brother Big Sister of Sussex County, the German Language Departments of the Sparta School Districts and Domestic Abuse Services, in Newton. All are welcome to share in the spirit of the season. Mark those calendars now, and come visit the Boardwalk from 1 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Any inquiries, contact Dean Reinauer at 718-816-8167, x410, or visit www.lakemohawkgermanchristmasmarket.com.