Courthouse Tree Lighting To Be Held Thursday

The Milwaukee County Courthouse Christmas tree will be lit during a ceremony that begins at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place in the rotunda on the first floor of the courthouse and includes music by the Salvation Army Brass Band and ornament decorating for children.

The ceremony serves as the kick-off for the county’s toy drive, held between Dec. 1 and Dec. 20. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the event to donate to the drive. All toys will be donated to the Salvation Army at the end of the drive. If you are unable to attend the event, toys can be dropped off in the county executive's office, Courthouse Room 306, until 5 p.m. on Dec. 20.

This year’s tree donors, John and Helen Skrobis of Milwaukee, will be on hand to help Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele flip the switch and illuminate the tree.

The program will also feature remarks by Salvation Army Milwaukee County Commander Major Roger Ross and County Supervisor Jason Haas, a visit by Santa and refreshments.