Milwaukee's official Christmas tree has been harvested, headed to the 'Cheer District' 🎄
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Residents of Milwaukee submitted nominations for the tree that would best serve as the city of Milwaukee's official Christmas tree during the 2022 holiday season. The tree that was chosen was officially harvested on Tuesday, Nov. 1.
The 31-foot Colorado Blue Spruce is being donated by a homeowner on N. 58th St. and it will be the 109th year the city has had an official Christmas tree. That marks the longest-running official Christmas tree designation of any city in the nation, other than New York City.
Ninety-three-year-old Erwin Boehme says what started as a call to the city about the Colorado Blue Spruce he planted himself in his front yard, ended up with them coming out to get the tree.
"I'm not even used to the notoriety that's going on for this tree," laughed Boehme when asked if he had planned this all along.
Boehme, a father and husband, dedicated his life to public service in the Korean war, and afterwards as a Milwaukee firefighter.
"I don't remember when I planted it, as far as the date is concerned. We have behind me a section of the tree trunk, and they counted 30-some years on there," said Boehme. "Everybody's praised it, and they like it, so I hope the citizens like it too."
Shortly after being harvested, it began its commute to downtown Milwaukee where it is being set up outside of Fiserv Forum prior to its lighting ceremony on Nov. 18.
The lighting ceremony will also mark the transformation of the Deer District into the "Cheer District." Other aspects of that transformation will be festivities involving crafters, artists, performers and more. They will participate in the Milwaukee Maker's Market from Dec. 9 - 11.
Meanwhile, Breakfast with Santa will be hosted by the MECCA Sports Bar & Grill on Dec. 11.
Last month, Mayor Cavalier Johnson said that Milwaukee's official Christmas tree will be a great complement to all of the Cheer District activity and excitement.
Boehme says he's also been invited to the lighting of the tree, a release party for a beer being brewed with branches from the tree, and an event where they'll be carving keepsakes from the trunk after the festivities.