Pay it Forward: Margit Johns

By Penni Schaefer

07/16/08 July 15, 2008 11:27 pm

— As a native of a small German city about the size of Meadville, Margit Johns said one weekend before Christmas she walked past Diamond Park and felt the sensation that something was missing. It was then that she had a vision.
“Because both cities have similarities, I feel at home here,” she said. “But when I saw Diamond Park lit up with lights and no one there enjoying them, it seemed too quiet,” she said. “And then I remembered from my childhood how much I enjoyed the Christmas Markets in Schwabach, and also in Nuremberg.”
Her vision, and now her goal, is to introduce a similar seasonal event in Meadville that could have a far-reaching, positive impact on the community.
“An event such as this, if properly promoted, would offer an opportunity to bring everyone in the area together in celebration of the holidays, as well as drawing outsiders, much like the city of Franklin’s Applefest,” she said. “Local businesses like coffee shops, hotels and bed and breakfasts would benefit as well.”
In addition to being fun, building community spirit and being a boon to local businesses, Johns said the event would also be a fundraiser for a worthy cause.
The German Christkindelmarkt, or Christmas market, is something that Johns envisioned one night on her way to the YMCA. In her mind she said she could see crafters from the community selling handmade wreaths, ornaments and other decorations, as well as vendors selling delicious homemade foods such as hot chocolate, cookies and sausages.
Her ideas for the event involve the whole community, including the local Amish and Mennonites. “I would invite the Amish and Mennonites to participate in the event,” she said. “They would sell their handmade wooden toys and beautiful quilts and also offer horse-drawn carriage rides circling around the park, making a stop on every corner.”
As the centerpiece of Christkindelmarkt, the area streets surrounding Diamond Park would be reserved for foot traffic and carriages, with possible parking at the Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum with a trolley to shuttle visitors back and forth.
In the center of the park would be a beautifully-lit gazebo which would become a stage for a variety of entertainment. Events could include pageants, dancers and Christmas carolers.
“I can see children and adults singing, and bet that middle and high school German students would be thrilled to become part of the celebration and sing Christmas carols in German.”
The festivities wouldn’t be limited to the park.
“Churches and historic buildings would open their doors for visitors, giving tours and having indoor concerts,” she said.
Johns admitted she “doesn’t know how to begin a project like this” and imagined that an event of this magnitude would require a great amount of advance planning. She suggested making it a joint effort between the Chamber of Commerce and other groups.
If Johns’ plan is selected for the Pay It Forward Challenge, she would like to use the money to foot some of the start-up costs.
“I think this project could have a wonderful impact on Meadville,” she said, “and who knows — maybe someday Meadville could become famous for its Christkindelsmarkt at Diamond Park!”