A request for a celebration of folklore and resilience in Lehighton has received approval despite trepidation from one borough official.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Monday approved the Lehighton Area Merchant Association’s application for use of property on Saturday for the Black Forest Krampusnacht and Witches Night Market event to have “no parking” signs posted on the even side of First Street from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The event is an immersive celebration of folklore and resilience. Father Christmas, The Snow Queen, Santa Lucia, Mari Lwyd, Belsnickel and others will be in attendance, as well as music, art and food.

Council approved the measure after it heard from Marissa Strohlein, who said she’s been hosting the festival for the past five years.

She told borough council she sees the vision of propping the business district up with several events a year.

However, Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said she had multiple concerns.

One of Abelovsky’s concerns was the fact that the event is on Saturday, and borough council was just being asked on Monday to approve the request.

“To me, it just feels like it’s already been planned,” Abelovsky said.

Strohlein apologized for the late hour.

Another concern expressed by Abelovsky is the fact that the event is being held the same weekend as Lehighton’s Christmas in the Park, which is scheduled for held Sunday in the upper and lower parks.

Abelovsky said she couldn’t imagine being one of the people in the park visiting their memorial tree.

The event includes a carnival game known as a baby toss in which old baby dolls are lobbed into Krampus’ basket.

However, Strohlein said that in all the years she’s been throwing this event, she’s never seen anyone acting in a violent manner.

Mayor Ryan Saunders told Strohlein that she had to understand that the borough has an older generation, and that the event has to be considerate.

Abelovsky pointed to the timing of the festival.

“We already approved Christmas in the Park,” Abelovsky said. “I have an issue with it overlapping with Christmas in the Park.”

Strohlein noted that Krampus has matriculated into the community, and that she is not for the demonization.

Furthermore, she said people generally have a good time at the festival, and realize they don’t have to be concerned.

Abelovsky reiterated that “the shared space is my concern.”

Strohlein said she believes the festival has the potential for great success, and was humbly asking borough council to let her host the event.

Councilman Steve Hawk said he believes the theme is that the festival conflicts with Christmas in the Park.