PEORIA ( 25News Now ) -For the final time, Expo Gardens played host to Kristkindlmarkt as major changes are ahead for the property in North Peoria.

The city took ownership of the 70-acre site earlier this year, prompting the German American Central Society to say goodbye to a long-running holiday tradition at that location.

The Kristkindlmarkt tradition began in Germany shortly after the Reformation, when Martin Luther shifted the holiday’s focus toward baby Jesus and Christian traditions.

Locally, this was the 16th annual Kristkindlmarkt.

Jeff Pulfer, event chair of the German American Central Society, said around 1,500 to 2,000 people attended this year’s event, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, and browsing and buying baked goods, jewelry, and holiday crafts from 43 vendors.

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