The holidays were alive and well in downtown Shawnee for Christkindlmarkt at the final Moonlight Market of the season.
On Thursday in front of Shawnee City Hall, the final event for the 2023 Moonlight Market season brought the holiday spirit, from Santa visits to dancing to the mayor’s annual tree lighting.
A variety of local food trucks and businesses served food and drinks, while performers like the Mill Valley High School Jag Singers, Nallia School of Dance, Elaine Fox Vocal Studio and The Driscoll School of Irish Dance entered the audience.
For Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler, it was a fun, emotional experience, as she helped light the tree in front of City Hall for her final time as she wraps her time in office. During the speech, she highlighted causes like the children’s advocacy center Sunflower House.
“It’s bittersweet because I love being able to use the position to help others,” she said.
Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler (right) posed with people in front of the tree. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
A face paint artist shows a girl what her face looks like. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
A girl gets a Grinch face applied during the Chriskindlmarkt. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
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Santa Claus meets with a girl inside Shawnee City Hall. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
A boy gets light-up candy canes that were given out during Christkindlmarkt. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
Kids try their skills at “fish-flinging” game. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
A girl poses for a photo with a snowman. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
A girl admires the tree in front of Shawnee City Hall. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
Two friends check out the books and cards at Seven Stories’ ribbon-cutting event during Christkindlmarkt. Photo credit Andrew Gaug.
👋 Hi! I’m Andrew Gaug, and I cover Shawnee and Lenexa for the Johnson County Post.
I received my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and started my career as a business reporter for The Vindicator in Youngstown, Ohio.
I spent 14 years as a multimedia reporter for the St. Joseph News-Press before joining the Post in 2023.
Have a story idea or a comment about our coverage you’d like to share? Email me at andrew@johnsoncountypost.com.
