ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Ishpeming’s historic Mather Ballroom was transformed into a holiday wonderland complete with Christmas trees and a visit from Santa, but this evening was all about recognizing the volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders who helped bring Ishpeming’s European-style Christmas market to life. So what can we expect to find at the Kriskindlmarkt?
“You know, you have all the lights, the wooden huts. The mulled wine, hot cocoa, plus, you know, beer, Brown pretzels, and lots of vendors, so it’s got the whole nine yards for year number one,” said Kriskindlmarkt founder and chairman, Kevin Corkin.
Attendees enjoyed live music from Irontown brass, hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to celebrate the people behind the event scheduled for November 27th and 28th, and again on December 4th and 5th. The highlight of the evening was the naming of the cheermeister himself, community stalwart Paul Benetti, former owner of the Congress Lounge. What exactly is a cheermeister?
“The Cheermeister is just recognizing somebody from Marquette County who’s at least twenty-one years old and who gives back their time, talent, or treasure. So they’re gonna be kind of the ambassador for the market,” explained Corkin.
The first of its kind in the Upper Peninsula, the European-inspired holiday market will feature dozens of vendors featuring seasonal food, as well as Christmas-themed handicrafts, live music and even their own beer. The market is expected to draw crowds from across the Midwest. Ishpeming Mayor-elect Brett Argall says it will be a real boost to the city’s economy.
“The energy that people have for this event, we have people from around the state and around the country that are coming and planning to come visit Ishpeming,” said Argall.
Organizers are hopeful that the cheer meisters ball will be an annual event that kicks off the holiday season in Ishpeming, John Truitt. WZMQ 19 News
