'A lot of joy:' City of Milwaukee extends deadline for search of 2024 Christmas tree at Cheer District

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Although the winter holidays are still a couple of months away, the City of Milwaukee needs your help now to bring in Christmas cheer.

Officials have extended their search deadline for the iconic tree that will sit outside of Fiserv Forum in Deer District.

"We're looking for the perfect tree to celebrate 111 years," said Chris Kling, the city's urban forestry manager. "They feel that it's the official kickoff for the city."

Requirements for the tree include it being located in the City of Milwaukee, a height of at least 30 ft., a width of at least 15 ft., and it also has to be accessible via crane, meaning no overhead wires.

Candidates are then judged on their size, shape, uniformity, color, and density.

"An overall tree that represents what someone looks for when they're out hunting for their own tree for their home," Kling told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White. "It adds a lot to that area."

As for how the tree goes from one place to downtown?

“We set up bright and early in the morning and we get ready for harvest, and we do it on the mayor’s cue usually right before 7 a.m.," Kling said. 

The tree is then transported with a police escort.

Whoever the tree belongs to will be able to be involved with the ceremony, and they'll also receive "a cutting of the bottom of the tree that will be remembrance for them for years to come.”

And for the fourth year in a row, the city will partner with Black Husky Brewing to create a special holiday beer from the boughs of the chosen tree.

“There’s a lot of just special moments and cheer that people come down to celebrate in the holiday season together," Kling said. 

The deadline for the 2024 search is Friday, Oct. 11.

If you believe you have a contender, you can call 286-CITY (2489).