Residents of Thal, a charming Austrian village near Graz and the birthplace of Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, are making a heartfelt plea to the star to rescue their Christmas tradition. The annual Christkindlmarkt, a beloved local market, had to be canceled due to financial constraints, leaving the community devastated.
Expressing their hope for Schwarzenegger’s support, a resident mentioned on social media, “They should reach out to Arnie as he holds his hometown dear. For him, this is a small amount.” The village’s mayor, Matthias Brunner, lamented the decision to cancel the market, citing insurmountable financial challenges that made it impossible to cover the expenses.
The event, which included stallholders, a stage, sound equipment, and decorations, incurred costs exceeding 10,000 euros. With a population of only 2,400, the financial burden became unmanageable for the community, leading to the event’s discontinuation. Emotions ran high online, with some urging Schwarzenegger to step in and revive the Christmas spirit in Thal by providing financial assistance.
While some advocated for Schwarzenegger’s support, others debated the responsibility of the star in aiding the village. Despite differing opinions, the sentiment remained strong that preserving traditions like the Christkindlmarkt was crucial, especially during challenging times. The community eagerly awaits Schwarzenegger’s response, hoping that he will fulfill his promise to bring back the Christmas cheer to Thal.