On Thursday, people from all over Wisconsin gathered in the Capitol Rotunda for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, joined by Governor Tony Evers and special guest Smokey Bear. The room was decorated with wreaths and big red bows to celebrate the event.
This year’s 30-foot balsam fir tree had a special theme: “125 years of Wisconsin’s State Parks,” kicking off celebrations for the parks’ anniversary in 2025. Wisconsin’s first state park, Interstate Park, opened in 1900, and today, the state has 50 state parks.
Kids, students, and families contributed homemade ornaments to decorate the tree, each one representing Wisconsin’s native animals, plants, outdoor activities like kayaking and camping, and the natural beauty of the parks.
Anne Sayers, the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, welcomed everyone, followed by Robin Schmidt from the Natural Resources Board, who shared a personal story about visiting state parks with family. Schmidt emphasized how these experiences are valuable for everyone, no matter their age.
Governor Evers also expressed his love for the state parks. “We’re lucky to be surrounded by so much natural beauty every day,” he said, mentioning that he had visited at least a dozen state parks in recent years.
After a countdown, Smokey Bear and a 7th grader, who shared her love for the parks, helped turn on the tree’s LED lights.
The Wauwatosa East Orchestra played holiday music for the second year in a row. The tree this year was donated by Rich Burke and his family from Rhinelander, and it’s the second year the tree has come from that area. Chosen for its height and perfect natural shape, the tree was cut down last month in a ceremony.
The tree will stay in the Capitol Rotunda for everyone to enjoy through the end of the year.