Come celebrate the season in Shorewood at the annual tree lighting holiday event at Wood Square (4151 N. Oakland Ave.). Due to weather, the event is rescheduled for Sunday, December 9 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Come for the fun and stay for the tree lighting at 7:00 p.m.
Other activities, entertainment and food includes: candied almonds, cashews and peanuts by Heavenly Nuts; kettle corn by T. Best Kettle Corn; cookie decorating with Little Sprouts Play Cafe; letters to Santa station by Allstate Insurance; hot cocoa and selfies with Santa by Shorewest Realtors; hot cider, doughnuts and prizes by Wells Fargo bank; Sufganiyot and Dreidel games by Milwaukee Jewish Day School; and music with Cole Heinrich by Feerick Funeral Home
This event is presented by the Shorewood Business Improvement District.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM VILLAGE MANAGER REBECCA EWALD
It is exciting to see the Human Relations Commission (HRC) begin their work on a number of topics. One topic that is being discussed involves holiday decorations.
It is common for municipalities to receive requests from community members and businesses to install holiday decorations during the month of December to be festive and celebrate the holidays. On one hand, municipalities may allow all secular and religious symbols during the holiday season so the community can come together and recognize all these important holidays. On the contrary, some municipalities take the position of not allowing any holiday decorations so community members aren't offended or feel excluded.
As a result, the question of allowing holiday decorations and symbols on public space can be a fairly complex issue for there isn't a perfect solution that makes everyone in the community happy and feel included at the same time. Faith is something that is very important and close to us, which amplifies the significance of the issue.
At last Monday's Village Board meeting, the BID asked for a permit for a tree lighting and holiday celebration at Wood Square on December 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. As in previous years, the BID included a menorah lighting as part of the event. Given increased sensitivity to issues of inclusion both nationally and locally, the Board had some concerns regarding the way the menorah would be featured at the event. Subsequent to the Board meeting, members of Shorewood's Jewish community stepped forward to host a booth with food, games, and opportunities for charitable giving in addition to the menorah. Thank you to those residents from the PTO of Milwaukee Jewish Day School for bringing the traditions and fun of Hanukkah to WinterFest.
The Village is very supportive of the BID for putting on such a wonderful event that brings the community together. The recent discussion at the Village Board on November 5 was a great start for a public discussion through the HRC on drafting and proposing a policy on holiday decorations in public spaces. The Village hopes the HRC will have something proposed by late winter or early spring for the Village Board to consider. With Thanksgiving soon approaching, let's be thankful that we live in such a community that is so respectful and open to having these types of conversations in the public realm.