KRIS KRINGLE PROCESSION RECAPTURES HOLIDAY MAGIC
Want to rediscover the magic of the holiday season? Don’t miss the Kris Kringle Procession in Frederick on Friday, December 3rd. This old world themed parade harkens back to a time when life was simpler. Featuring costumed children and traditional holiday characters, and set against a backdrop of thousands of tiny white lights, the procession truly captures the holiday spirit and small town charm that is so alive in Frederick!
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins on the corner of South East and West Patrick Streets, 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.
This year’s closing ceremonies will feature a performance by local recording artist and businesswoman Marlene Young. She recently released “Christmas In Our Hometown,” a new compact disc featuring 14 holiday songs including the original title track, which includes a reference to the procession! The ceremony will also include music by the Clustered Spires Brass Band, carol singing, and holiday greetings from Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, the Snow Queen, and Kris Kringle himself. The crowd leads the countdown to the lighting of the official City tree.
Kris Kringle, the Snow Queen, Jack Frost, Rudolph and Frosty are among crowd favorites. In the late 90’s however, 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. More than fifty 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!
This event would not be possible without the generosity of Cultural Events for Educating Frederick’s 2004 Sponsors who are committed to serving our community. The Gold Sponsors are BB&T, Bechtel Foundation, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Drees Homes, Farmers & Mechanics Bank, and Sandy Spring Bank. The Silver sponsors are Bank One, CitiMortgage and The Frederick News-Post. The Bronze Sponsors are Cellular One, Chessie Federal Credit Union and the Frederick Arts Council.
For more information regarding holiday events in Frederick, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-228-2844 or visit www.holidaysinfrederick.com.
