Historic Harmony to host annual Christmas Market
HARMONY — Volunteers at the Harmony Museum have been working tirelessly preparing for the annual WeihnachtsMarkt German-style Christmas Market as the day quickly approaches.
The market will be held Nov. 11 and 12 in Harmony.
Each year the event attracts thousands of visitors and market-goers who come to celebrate the borough's German roots as well as peruse jury-selected crafts and enjoy German entertainment, food and refreshments.
“We are excited to add two new displays this year,” said Rodney Gasch, president of Historic Harmony. “There's an amazing train display featuring Bavarian mountain scenes complete with towns, villagers and livestock. An extensive Nutcracker collection, recently donated to the museum, will also be on display.”
Harmony was founded in 1804 by German Lutheran Separatists, noted Gasch.
“They fled religious intolerance in the Duchy of Württemberg surrounding Stuttgart, Germany,” Gasch said. “Their Harmony Society became one of 19th century America's most successful communal groups.”
The society also founded New Harmony, Ind., and Economy — now Ambridge — in Beaver County.
This year's event will feature nearly 50 vendors and craftsmen showcasing their numerous crafts, holiday items, food and beverages.
Attendees also will have the chance to observe the museum's volunteer quilters, spinners and weavers at work, and sample regionally produced wine and whiskey.
A kids crafts tent will offer activities for children, including a station where they can write a personal note to be “mailed to Santa Claus” at the Museum Shop Village Post Office across the street.
Entertainment will include performances by Karl Lukitsch and The Autobahn Band on Saturday, and Alpen Schuhplattlers of Pittsburgh's Teutonia Mannerchor on both Saturday and Sunday.On Saturday, attendees can sing carols as the museum's Christmas tree is lighted at 5:30 p.m.Harmony celebrates the German-style Christmas Market every year in recognition of the German people who first came to Harmony in the early 19th century.Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $3 for students and free for children and provides all-day access to the market, entertainment, the museum and horse-drawn wagon rides in the National Historic Landmark district.Proceeds support museum operations.
