[December 07, 2011] 

Pictures by Marla Blair

Sylvia Klokkenga read a German children's prayer and helped listeners pronounce the German words. Sylvia is a Sunday school teacher and contributes to youth programs at her church.

Terry Bredenberg, of Pekin, plays traditional German songs for entertainment, but also to keep the music alive for those who want to hear songs of their ancestors.

The children paired for a German dance accompanied by lively accordion music. The dance requires partners to sidestep with the music and stay in step with the other dancers.

Terry and Sylvia led the audience in English and German versions of traditional Christmas songs.

Sylvia recruited Will Newby to portray young Nicholas from Myra, the orphaned child who would become St. Nicholas.

The children were asked to place their shoes in a row as in the European practice of setting shoes out to receive gifts. They were given large homemade gingerbread men for treats.

Almost 50 local residents attended the first St. Nicholas Eve celebration in Emden. The event was sponsored by the Emden Historical Society and hosted by Sylvia Klokkenga.

After learning a traditional German dance, the children broke into their own dance steps and admitted they enjoyed the accordion music -- something several had not heard before the program.

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