Jasper O’Tannenbaum Days this weekend

From Ferdinand News

The City of Jasper is all decked out in readiness for O’Tannenbaum Days this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 4-6.

So what, exactly, is a Tannenbaum? In German, Tannenbaum is the Christmas Tree traditionally set up and decorated on Christmas Eve, usually either a fir or spruce. Decorations might include tinsel, glass balls or straw ornaments and sweet treats, with a star or angel atop. Beneath the tree, presents are placed next to a nativity scene.

So why does Jasper celebrate O’Tannenbaum Days?

The name is perfect for a couple of reasons. While the community today is diverse, German settlers founded Jasper and much of that heritage is still evident. In addition, an enormous Christmas Tree welcomes everyone to the Courthouse Square.

Over 20 talented artists and artisans will be in many of the stores demonstrating their skills, including woodcarving, pottery, quilting and butter-churning.

While most of this nation waits for Santa Claus to fill their stockings on December 24, Saint Nicholas Day, December 6, is a traditional festival for children in many European countries, and for many kinder in Dubois County. This celebration is related to the legend of Saint Nicholas, particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. In Northern Germany, children put a boot outside the front door on December 5. St. Nicholas fills the boot with gifts and sweets overnight, and at that time, checks to see if the children have been good, polite and helpful in the past year.

Those who were not will find a rute (tree branch) in their boot!

There will likely be no branch-filled boots in Jasper this weekend. Instead, visitors will discover much to enjoy, including tours of all the amazing historical sights, such as the magnificent St. Joseph Catholic Church, an 1880 Romanesque, old world-style church listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visit the many specialty stores offering unique gift ideas and take time to smell the potpourri, sample the treats, listen to the beautiful music, or reminisce on a carriage ride. Take a train ride, enjoy the shopping, and have a wonderful, relaxing weekend. Listen to carolers, visit with Santa, and hear the special performances to be offered through the weekend.

Free maps with event locations will be available in the outside rack at the Jasper Chamber of Commerce office, located at 302 W. 6th Street.

Special activities include:

•Free Carriage Rides, Friday and Saturday, December 4-5. Meet the carriage in front of City Hall, 5:30-8 p.m. Friday; and 12-4 p.m. Saturday.
• Santa Claus in his special house on the square. Bring children or grandchildren to whisper to Santa their fondest Christmas wishes! Santa will be available on Friday, December 4, 5-8 p.m.  and Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, from 12-3 p.m.
•Take a tour of historic St. Joseph Catholic Church and Tower, located off Newton Street (US 231) on 1029 Kundek Street. Meet inside the church, Friday, 6-8 p.m. (Friday has been cancelled) in  and Sunday, 1-3 p.m.
•Jasper Public Library, 1116 Main Street, will offer programs on Sunday, December 6. At 2 p.m. Santa will read a story and sing songs with the children.Then at 3 p.m., enjoy Christmas Crafts in the Library Annex. This is a make-it and take-it workshop for adults and youth ages 10 and older. Make hot chocolate mixes to give as gifts. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 812-482-2712.
•Dubois County Museum will offer public programming Friday, Saturday and Sunday during O’Tannenbaum Days. The museum is located at 2704 N. Newton Street. Weekend hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. See the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and enjoy the collection of a thousand Santas. On Saturday, December 5, have breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m., enjoy crafts and visit with Santa (reservations are required by calling 812-481-1039. This event is hosted by Girl Scout Troop 243). At 2 p.m., enjoy a Christmas concert by Strings, Inc. and from 1-3 p.m. take a ride with Santa in his golf cart. Sunday, December 6, 1 p.m. children will decorate gingerbread cookies; from 1-3:30 p.m., take a ride with Santa in his golf cart; and at 2 p.m., enjoy the violin music of the Ferdinand News’ own Lisa Hoppenjans.
•Jasper City Mill, by the Riverwalk and the Patoka River Bridge on 3rd Avenue, will welcome featured artist Kyle Eckert on Saturday at 10 a.m. Kyle will demonstrate her oil painting talent. Many of her works will be on display, along with others from the Dubois County Art Guild. Stop in and see this rebuilt structure on the site of the city’s former mill. Check out the historic photos and old and antique tools from days gone by. Watch as corn is freshly ground into cornmeal. The mill will be open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
•Jasper Arts Center, south of 3rd Avenue at 951 College Avenue. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; 12-5 p.m. on Sunday; closed Saturday. On display is the new 4 + 1 = 9 Exhibit in the Krempp Gallery. A reception for the artists and thank you for volunteers will be held Friday, December 4, 7-9 p.m.
•Crafts and baked goods galore will be found at three community churches on Saturday, December 5. At Trinity United Church of Christ, 310 W. 8th Street, a Cookie Walk and Bake Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A St. Nick Bazaar with lots of delicious baked goods and handmade crafts will open at Precious Blood Catholic Church from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, and again on Sunday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church,
1029 Kundek Street, will host a Christmas Bazaar in the Parish Center from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
•A Holiday Bazaar will be held in the Cabby O’Neil Gym, located on 6th Street, west of the Courthouse Square. Over 30 local crafters and vendors will offer wonderful Christmas gifts available on Saturday only, December 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food will also be available to purchase.
•The 78th Annual Community Christmas Party, sponsored by American Legion Post 147 and Auxiliary, will be held Saturday, December 5, at the Jasper Middle School Black Gym. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with Santa arriving at 1 p.m. Children will receive a bag of treats when leaving the gym. Santa and several cartoon characters will be available for pictures for a short time. Music will be provided by the Jasper Middle School Band.
•A Christmas Craft Show will be held at the Jasper Inn, US 231 South. See amazing handmade treasures, arts and crafts, homemade baked goods, candies and more. Hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information, call Dubois County Tourism, 812-482-9115 or visit http://www.visitduboiscounty.com; or Jasper Chamber of Commerce at 812-482-6866.