Strong, Dark, Evil, and Delicious

Pin Up Penny Photography

Come celebrate the darker side of the holidays with the fourth annual Krampusnacht Erie Bazaar u2013 including a pin-up contest, Krampus costume contest, tons of arts and craft vendors, and a custom-brewed, festive beer made by the Brewerie.

SATURDAY, DEC. 2

The Krampusnacht Erie Holiday Bazaar is back and bigger than ever. This year, the event adds a signature brew made by the Brewerie at Union Station called Horn & Hoof — a Belgian dark ale made with dark Belgian candi sugar inspired by Krampus himself. It promises to be strong, dark, evil, and delicious. Krampus-themed cocktails and food will also be available this year, thanks to a new, larger location in the Concourse at Union Station. Attendees will receive a wristband and can go back and forth between the Concourse and Brewerie.

The event was previously held at Basement Transmissions but organizer Kerrie Fargiorgio says she always had plans to move into a larger venue. "The goal was always to grow the event enough to hold it at Union Station," said Fargiorgio. "It's literally the creepiest venue in town and Krampus celebrations go hand in hand with breweries. Looking at last year's event attendance, the amount of Christmas Creep and Krampus costume contest entries, as well as the pin-up contest tripling its contestants, I knew we were finally ready to move it where I hope to be a permanent home. The move to Union Station is the beginning of bigger and better things for the event."

If you are unfamiliar, the legend of Krampus goes back centuries and is a tradition rooted in German-speaking countries. It has gained attention in recent decades and around the world, where many countries celebrate the night known as Krampusnacht, where St. Nick takes care of the good children, and Krampus handles those less-well behaved. This year marks Erie's fourth Krampusnacht Holiday Bazaar.

Vendors from all around will showcase their creepy creations, oddities, and Krampus-related wares. Fargiorgio and her husband Eric, who are Erie residents, spend much of the year vending at similar events in other cities. "This year we have a wide array of artisans and vendors, from custom jewelry, creepy bath bombs, bakers, and even special effect (SFX) technicians," said Fargiorgio.

In addition to the vendors, there is much more to see and do. Pin Up Penny (Penny Shaut) is hosting the fourth Krampus-themed "Miss Krampusnacht'' pin-up contest at the event and Eerie Horror Fest is sponsoring the best dressed Krampus or Yuletide Monster in the Christmas Creeps Contest. "They have put together an amazing prize bundle for the winner including an all access pass for next year," said Fargiorgio.

Noon to 8 p.m. // The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. // $5 admission // For more information visit Facebook event: Krampusnacht Erie