Free Christmas Exhibit!
For the past 39 years, the downtown M&I Bank has had a great Christmas display which attracts both young and old. Each year, there is a new theme, but the main characters stay the same. The characters are the centerpiece of the display, and they are life-size stuffed animals, made by the world famous Steiff Company in Germany. The brand trademark is the button in the ear of each animal.
The display originally started when the marketing director for the bank went to New York City. He visited FAO Schwartz and bought a few animals for a holiday display at the bank, and it grew from there. Today there are almost 50 animals that get new clothes and new looks each year.
This year's "It's Toy Time," brings a life-size workshop to the bank lobby, with animals carving nutcrackers, stuffing teddy bears and making all kinds of toys.
In February each year, the bank president chooses the theme and the staff get to work designing the set, the costumes and carrying out the plan. The weekend of Thanksgiving, 50 or so employees work the entire weekend setting up the display.
This display has become a tradition for many. Grandparents and grandkids, teachers and students come to look, then years later come back with the next generation! Many families take their holiday photo here, or stop before a performance of the Nutcracker or Christmas Carol
When I heard that M&I Bank was bought by BMO Harris, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to this display. So happy to hear that BMO Harris embraced the tradition and even sweetened the attraction by donating $5 for each visitor who strolls the lobby to view the animal fun. The Hunger Task Force will certainly welcome that donation this year! Will you have a chance to visit the bank and enjoy this holiday treat? I will be taking my grandkids on Christmas Eve! They have great holiday hours! December 1st through January 5th recurring daily. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The display will be closed after 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 17th and Saturday, December 24th; and at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 5th.
Posted by: 
Pat Tasker
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You may have noticed the construction on the southeast corner of Pilgrim Road and Main Street. Menomonee Falls is getting ready for the new Walmart Neighborhood Market. Right now work is being done on the water main and as well as demolishing the former Piggly Wiggly supermarket and other vacant space at Pilgrim Village shopping center. The former BP gas station and the movie theater will be razed as well. Minuteman Press has moved to the Falls Plaza II shopping center on Appleton Avenue. Sounds Audio has moved into the Neu’s building on Ridgeway. Both were tenants in the building being razed. The portions of the shopping center leased to Friends of Nature pet supply store and Otto's Wine and Spirits will stay.
The new Walmart Neighborhood Market claims to offer a quick and convenient shopping experience for customers who need groceries, pharmaceuticals and general merchandise. The items they will carry include:
Colleen Kuchta
