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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Colleen Kuchta
The Village of Menomonee Falls will be celebrating Independence Day with a parade and fireworks on July 3, 2011. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. at the intersections of Elm Lane and Appleton Avenue. Parade participants will head east down Appleton Avenue to Woosencraft Drive. The parade is a pretty big event in Menomonee Falls. So big that spectators set up the day ahead to lay claim to the perfect spot! If you want to stake a claim, the Menomonee Falls Police Department will close Appleton Avenue between Elm Lane and Woosencraft Drive from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on July 2, 2011.
After the parade, head on over to the Menomonee Falls High School for some fantastic fireworks! The fireworks begin at dusk - approximately 9:30 p.m. Weather in Wisconsin is unpredictable, so if it rains we will watch the fireworks at dusk on July 5th instead. We hope you have a safe and happy Independence Day! God Bless America!
