TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Merrill will host their annual O’Tannenbaum Tour on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. Stephens Church, 903 E. Second St. Organizers will once again transform the church basement into a magical Christmas wonderland, raffling off all the decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and gift baskets on display, as a 4-H and community fundraiser.
This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop,” and adult admission is $3, children ages 6-12 are $1, and age 5 and under are free. Proceeds from admission and raffles “go to the Lincoln County 4-H programs and then any leftover proceeds will be distributed to other organizations that lost State funding such as Dare Programs in Merrill and Tomahawk, Backpack programs in Merrill and Tomahawk, Food for Kids, Respite Care, Enrichment Center, the Fair, Haven, and the VFW, just to name a few,” said Cheryl Buck, one of the organizers, describing where proceeds have been used in years past.
Area Christmas tree growers provide the 25 Christmas trees, including Grisa Evergreen, High Ground Tree Farm, Northwoods Evergreen, Smilin’ John’s Tree Farm, Wisconsin Evergreen Co., Prairie River Tree Farm, Kings Evergreen and Wreaths, and Fritz’s Mountain. Other area businesses and organizations then decorate the trees to create the magical tour. “We limit the Tour to 25 trees due to space,” Buck said.
O’Tannenbaum Tour organizers typically reach out to area businesses by letter each year, explaining there are five ways to participate in the Tour. Interested businesses and organizations can choose to: 1) Decorate a tree, from skirt to topper; 2) Create and donate a gift basket; 3) Decorate and donate a wreath; 4) Make a monetary gift to a particular 4-H Club of their choice; or 5) Make a monetary gift to the O’Tannenbaum Tour to use for printing, advertising, and set up costs. Participating businesses are listed in the booklet for the annual O’Tannenbaum Tour, which shows all of the trees, wreaths, gift baskets, and other items available for raffle during the tour and who sponsored each. Each person receives a copy of the booklet at the beginning of the tour. Businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals are welcome to participate as sponsors or donors.
Event organizers go all out to create the festive atmosphere of the tour, themselves dressing in evening wear, with the occasional costumed character on hand for the kids. Santa visits sometimes, too.
Musical entertainment provides an extra seasonal touch. This year, Saturday’s entertainment will include the CM Singers, Mary Banser, Katz Piano students, juggler John Kilgust, Zendor Comedy Magician, Mary Ament on the harp, Jeanie Nienow, the Merrill High School Band, the TLC Bronze Bell Choir from Trinity, and Mike Geisler on the accordion, all scheduled throughout the day. On Sunday, Kelly, Greg, and Tony from the Honky Tonk Highway Band are scheduled to perform for an hour.
There is room for additional entertainers to get on the schedule on both days. Anyone who wishes to perform or provide entertainment should call Cheryl Buck at 715.297.3424. A piano and music stands are available on site.
Polka Dotted Pie will provide the cookies, and Merrill Distributing will provide complimentary coffee, hot cocoa, and cappaccino during the tour.
Ed and Sharon’s will also offer food options in the Kuck Lounge (main level) of the church building on both Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for those who would like to grab a bite to eat before or after taking the O’Tannenbaum Tour. Parking is available in the church parking lot to the west of the church.
