TO: Feature
Editor
FROM: Stephanne Saunders, Manager, The City of
Frederick
Office
of Special Events, 301-228-2845
RE: Kris
Kringle Procession 2002 (3 pages)
Kris
Kringle arrives in Frederick on Friday, December 6th during the 17th
Annual Kris Kringle Procession! Led by
a multitude of fun and festive characters, this old world parade travels
through the Frederick Historic District at 6:30 p.m. This event is one you don’t want to miss as it truly captures the
holiday spirit and small town charm that is so alive in Frederick!
Kris Kringle, the Snow
Queen, Jack Frost, Rudolph and Frosty are all crowd favorites. However, in the late 90’s, some new
characters were added that highlight Frederick’s German heritage. They may seem unusual, but as you will see,
they are truly unique characters that add to the whimsy of this parade.
The first character is
Krist Kindle, an angel-like messenger for Kris Kringle who leaves good children
gifts in straw baskets. She lights her
way so children know when she is coming by carrying a small fir tree with
candles or lights. She lives in the
mountains, on a church steeple or in the loft of a house. During the Kris Kringle Procession, Krist
Kindle will be accompanied by her favorite elves.
The next character to witness has been mistaken for Kris Kringle during the procession. Weinacht Man is an old German character whose name means “Christmas” man. He wears a green coat with fur trim and serves as Kris Kringle’s helper to deliver gifts to good children.
During this jolly
parade, the next unique character seems dark and mystical. Pelsnickle is bearded, furry and wears a
dark cloak. He is one of several different
characters who accompany Kris Kringle to question parents and children on the
child’s behavior. He carries switches
or a bag of coal to punish children who have not been good. Some say he scowls at the children while
slipping them candy.
Now that you know the history behind these characters, see if you can spot Weinacht Man, Pelsnickle and Krist Kindle during the annual Kris Kringle Procession. Over eighty additional groups will accompany these fabulous mythical German characters. From Victorian carolers to snow dancers, this parade is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
The parade begins at
Everedy Square where Ebenezer Scrooge shares a bit of bah-humbug with
onlookers. As the trumpets blare, the
procession begins. The parade travels
South on East Street, turns right on West Patrick Street, turns right on North
Market Street, turns left on West Second Street and proceeds to the Baker Park
Bandshell for the finale. The closing
ceremonies include musical performances by the Spires Brass Band. Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, the Snow Queen,
and Kris Kringle himself offer greetings.
Crowds will also be lead in singing carols to welcome the holiday
season. A countdown, led by the Mayor,
will offer a crescendo to the lighting of the City tree!
This event would not
be possible without the generosity of the 2002 Sponsors who are committed to
serving our community. The Gold
Sponsors are Ausherman Homes, BB&T, Bechtel Foundation, Farmers &
Mechanics Bank, and The Frederick News-Post, Gold Media Sponsor. The Silver Sponsors are Cellular One, First
USA, The Gazette, Mount St. Mary’s College, and Sandy Spring Bank. The Bronze Sponsors are First Nationwide
Mortgage and Maryland State Art Council.
For more information
regarding holiday events, volunteering or sponsorship, please call The City of
Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-228-2844 or visit
www.cityoffrederick.com.
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