The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corp. is excited to announce a “Black Forest Krampusnacht” Festival to be hosted on Dec. 4 at Kemmerer Park in Jim Thorpe. Thank you to our major sponsors, Conjured LLC Small Batch Manufacturing Big Creek Winery, and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for helping make this event possible.

Krampus is a character of German folklore dating back centuries, joining St. Nicholas with celebrations of Krampusnacht in Central Europe. Traditionally, Krampus, who has cloven hooves and goat horns, visited children alongside St. Nicholas; St. Nicholas would reward well-behaved children with modest gifts (such as oranges, walnuts or chocolates), while naughty children would receive punishment from Krampus. Krampus predates the traditional Christian Christmas and has been re-created throughout Europe and the United States for centuries. The Krampusnacht holiday traditionally takes place on Dec. 5.

“After multiple requests for an official Krampus event in Jim Thorpe from local residents and tourists, we decided to make it happen,” said Marianne Rustad, of Conjured Small Batch Manufacturing LLC. “We chose hosting a mini festival incorporating a more traditional ‘Running of the Krampus’ through beautiful Kemmerer Park. … We intend to transform the park with a whimsical nod to Germany’s Black Forest. To answer the question of ‘why have this event’ … because it’s just really great fun!”

Prepare to be transported to a different era of time stepping into Black Forest Krampusnacht as attendees can expect to see a “Running of the Krampus” ceremony, local craft and business vendors and food section, beer garden, a Christmas tree Tannenbaum benefiting Toys for Tots, live music, free children’s activities, and Krampus Fest 2021 themed merchandise. More details about this event will be released in the following months.

Check out the CCEDC’s website at www.carboncountychamber.org for sponsorship opportunities coming soon.

If you are interested in volunteering at Black Forest Krampusnacht, the Krampus Festival committee is holding an informational volunteer meeting at 5 p.m. on April 12 in Josiah White Park, 2 Lehigh Ave., Jim Thorpe. Please contact Kylie Adams at 484-548-4090 or KylieA@lehighvalleychamber.org with any questions.