On my first visit to Sparta, I decided, as I do upon any visit to a cute little town, I needed to live there. The open, gentleness of Lake Mohawk and the homes cozied up to its edge, the unique Bavarian styled buildings along Mohawk Avenue, the castle-like exterior of the country club clubhouse, the mountains competing for the grandest space in the skyline during our drive there, it all felt perfect, like a scene from a fairy tale. Somewhere one could easily slip into and get lost–in a good way.
It was spring then, one of those days where sitting and staring at the water with your favorite person in the world feels inexplicably better than any plans of greater elegance or prominence could ever feel. We let the sun soak into our skin as we walked along the Lake Mohawk boardwalk, marveling at bright pink hanging flowers and bees buzzing around them.
Then we heard about the Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market and knew for certain we would return.
The German Christmas Market began in 2001 as a way to raise funds for local charities. The sole mission is giving back to the community. Donations are taken upon arrival. Local school bus drivers participate in the event by busing visitors to and from the local middle and high schools*.
*Which is a major stress saver. The schools both have plenty of parking and provide a carefree parking experience.
The festivities surround the Country Club which offers three indoor levels of vendors including tables filled with German goodies.
Bacon Me Crazy: Bacon wrapped sausage topped with mac & cheese
But the boardwalk is where the real Christmas cheer is felt by the nip in the air, the people who are a little more at the ready with a ‘sorry’ when they bump into you, the steaming hot chocolate and apple cider perfectly placed for that moment when you need something to warm you up, and the two-foot long bags of kettle corn every other person seems to be carrying.
Not to toot my Charlie Brown horn too loud, but my favorite part is the lack of commercialism felt. The German Christmas Market represents the season as it should be through the individuality of each vendor and the creativity in their products. To me, Christmas gift giving and receiving shouldn’t be about checking off a list, but instead finding that item which simply screams the name of your loved one, and couldn’t possibly be replicated.
I’ve been spoiled beyond that which I deserve over the years, but the greatest gifts, the ones I have always treasured most, came as one of a kind items, something handcrafted, or with a special story attached.
German Bee Sting Cake
Mark your calendars for next year!
Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market
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