Christmas market coming to Sandusky

SANDUSKY — Consider them elves who want to spread some holiday cheer throughout Sandusky. Coordinators of the inaugural Sandusky Christmas Market are getting ready to host this event over three consecutive weekends at Schade-Mylander Plaza at the foot of Columbus Avenue and Water Street in downtown Sandusky: • From 5-9 p.m. on these Fridays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13; The market's opening day, on Nov. 29, coincides with downtown's Holiday Lighting Ceremony, which also consists of illuminating the massive Christmas tree found within the plaza. • From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on these Saturdays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14; The market's final day coincides with Sandusky's Winter Wonderland event, which consists of a fireworks display. • From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on these Sundays: Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 "We're excited to bring people and business to downtown as we continue making Sandusky a city that's vibrant and alive all seasons," Destination Sandusky director McKenzie Spriggs said. Many people collaborated to make this possible. This would include those with Sandusky's government, Shores & Islands Ohio, the Greater Sandusky Partnership, Chris Corso with the Jimm Corso Family Foundation and Becki Kintz of Columbus-based One Hospitality. "We are beyond excited for the Christmas market," Kintz said."We truly hope to make it a warm and welcoming event that brings together not only our community but neighboring communities, too, showcasing our local artisans, entertainers and businesses." What to expect Many local communities across the world host Christmas markets. "Typically held in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Christmas markets are outdoor events usually set in a city center that feature a variety of vendors selling holiday-related items, crafts, foods and beverages," according to a local event statement. "Twinkling lights and Christmas decorations enhance the festive atmosphere while sounds of holiday music spread the joy of the season." Christmas markets date all the way back to Medival Europe, particularly in German-speaking regions. As coordinators continue to finalize details, they did offer a glimpse into what's possibly arriving at the market in the coming months. Think of it as a "festive and family-friendly" area featuring festive food, local entertainers, area artisans and fun activities. Beyond simply attending, "There are many ways to be part of this event," the statement noted. "We are currently accepting craft and food vendor applications and looking for a variety of entertainers — local choirs, singers, etc. — volunteers and sponsors that would like to participate in this exciting event." People can learn more by visiting sanduskychristmasmarket.com or emailing sanduskychristmasmarket@gmail.com. The event will also be a beloved and late community member. "This inaugural Sandusky Christmas Market will be dedicated to honoring the legacy of Jimm Corso, a cherished and dedicated member of his community, and a man that passionately loved Christmas," according to the statement. Corso, 75, passed away in 2020. Many recall him, a 1963 Sandusky High School graduate, as a dedicated community member who loved his hometown and everything about it. He earned degrees in horticulture and floriculture from Ohio State and returned to Sandusky with his wife, Judy, to work at Cleveland Road Greenhouses, the family business. Around town, Corso was known as "Mr. Tomato." "Please join us in celebrating Jimm, our community and all of the local businesses and artisans who will be participating in the event. We hope this will become a new holiday tradition for all."