Free Christmas Exhibit!

December 21, 2011 at 12:24 AM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Pat Tasker

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 1^st through January 5^th 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 17^th  and Saturday, December 24^th; and at 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 5^th.

Posted by:  Pat Tasker

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December Lights

November 27, 2011 at 11:22 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Lisa Rossetto-Glowacki

Take a bit of time to enjoy the many lights and Christmas Trees in Milwaukee. A few favorites of mine are Cathedral Square Park (shown in photo). With Christmas carols playing in the air, you can view not only the large tree of lights, but lovely trees decorated with ornaments made by students of various schools throughout the area. If you're hungry, step across the street to Elsa's and enjoy a lovely park view while having one of their delicious pork chop sandwiches!

The venerable Pfister hotel will have a beautiful tree in the lobby, in view of the quaint lobby bar which serves hot cider. Enjoy a cup while the piano player rings out festive Christmas tunes!

And of course, across from Red Arrow Park on Water Street, you'll find the magnificent City of Milwaukee Christmas tree, donated each year by a family in the city--just gorgeous! You can ice skate outside in front of the Starbuck's or check out the newly opened Bartolotta's Gastropub.

Happy Holidays!

Posted by:  Lisa Rossetto

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