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GermanVillage

Bart Krogman always wanted his business to be part of Village Lights but it was too far away from the center of activity to expect a crowd.

Thanks to the event’s new Striezelmarkt, the problem is solved.

The Striezelmarkt will be part of the seventh annual Village Lights, to be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, throughout German Village.

Krogman’s store, Flourish Bespoke Floral and Event Styling on East Livingston Avenue, is one of nine local businesses participating in the Striezelmarkt, to be held in a tent in front of the Meeting Haus, 588 S. Third St.

Event chair David Schooler said some members of the German Village Business Community, which sponsors Village Lights, wanted to participate, but their location made it difficult. The hub of the celebration is mostly along South Third, Kossuth and Jaeger streets.

“They wanted to participate but their locations didn’t fit the concentration of the event,” said Schooler, owner of Town and Country Travel on South Lazelle Street. “So we offered these spaces at the Meeting Haus so they could come in and exhibit their wares.”

Krogman said his floral and decor company will offer wreaths, garlands and holiday accent decorations. He said he looks forward to joining the festivities of Village Lights.

Other Striezelmarkt vendors include Columbus Food Adventures, Garrett Hospitality Group, Juergen’s German Bakery and Restaurant, Marie Hardy Silver Wear, the Columbus Maennerchor, Village Pet Supply, W.E. Davis Insurance Agency Inc. and Claddagh Irish Pub. They will be promoting their businesses by supplying refreshments and offering prizes to patrons of Village Lights, Schooler said.

Schooler said a total of 49 businesses are participating in Village Lights this year and many will be offering special discounts on merchandise, refreshments and entertainment.

Roughly 10,000 luminaria — which usually are candles set in paper bags filled with sand — will provide a warm glow to the neighborhood streets and Schiller Park. At St. Mary’s Catholic School, horse-drawn carriage rides will be provided free of charge.

Thousands of people from central Ohio attend the event each year, Schooler said.