Carmel Christkindlmarkt's rocky road to winter wonderland
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Carmel Christkindlmarkt is back to light up Central Indiana's holiday season. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
One of Central Indiana's most anticipated holiday season happenings returns this weekend, even as the organization behind it has had to navigate leadership fights, lawsuits and an ongoing city investigation along the way.
Why it matters: Carmel Christkindlmarkt leaders say that, despite the difficulties, visitors should expect the same German holiday market experience they've come to know and love over the past eight years.
What they're saying: "I really think people will be — and it sounds strange to say — but surprised at how it is the same and that nothing has changed," acting Carmel Christkindlmarkt CEO Julia Davis told Axios.
- "They can come out. They can get their photos. They can grab their glühwein," Davis said.
- "They can do their family traditions and eat their raclette sandwiches, and it's going to be the same fun environment that it always has been."
Catch up quick: The Christkindlmarkt controversies go back to last year, when the nonprofit organization that runs it was reorganized by Mayor Sue Finkam abruptly due to allegations of mismanagement, overspending, and an overreliance on city support.
- That led to significant leadership changes, including the resignations of former board chair Susan McDermott last year and founding CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld this year.
- The same day Rosenfeld stepped down, McDermott filed a defamation lawsuit against Finkam and the city, stating that to justify the reorganization, leaders made false statements accusing her of obstructing the release of financial information.
The latest: A Hamilton County judge dismissed the lawsuit last Friday, concluding that statements made by the mayor and others did not meet the threshold of defamation.
Yes, but: In May, the Carmel City Council unanimously approved an investigation into issues surrounding the market, citing a lack of transparency around decision-making.
- That investigation is ongoing.
State of play: Davis said those struggles have not kept her team from staying focused on maintaining the market's award-winning reputation for both longtime attendees and first-timers.
- "We know what is required of us day to day, and that has largely been unaffected," she said. "Change always brings questions, but the team has been able to work without impediment."
Zoom in: Part of that focus has been adding new features, like a free shuttle service to ease concerns about parking congestion, as well as new foods like Handbrot, a baked roll stuffed with meats and melted cheese.
- Davis also hopes that first-timers take advantage of the more than 180 hours of free live entertainment, family-friendly educational opportunities, and artist-guided craft-making.
If you go: Carmel Christkindlmarkt runs through Dec. 24.
- Open 4-9pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-9pm Fridays and Saturdays, and noon-8pm Sundays, with extended hours the day before Thanksgiving and in late December.