Dontre Hamilton supporters to hold vigil during City/County Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Family of Dontre Hamilton to hold vigil during City/County Christmas tree lighting ceremony

MILWAUKEE — The 102nd annual City/County Christmas tree will be lit up for the holidays Thursday evening, November 19th at Red Arrow Park. Supporters of Dontre Hamilton plan to hold a vigil at the same time.

Dontre Hamilton and Christopher Manney

The tree lighting is a happy occasion for most, but for Dontre Hamilton's family it is a reminder of how he died. He was shot to death by a former Milwaukee police officer in Red Arrow Park.

Hamilton was shot and killed by former Milwaukee police officer Christopher Manney in April of 2014. The U.S. Attorney recently announced there wasn't enough evidence to federally charge Manney.

Hamilton supports say on Thursday night the plan is to "lift up Dontre's name in the midst of the celebration."

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will flip the switch during the tree lighting ceremony.

Carole Caine will be the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which is presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino.

Pre-lighting activities began at 5:00 p.m. and include music by the Lincoln Center of the Arts Ambassador Choir, the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, and carols by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s A Christmas Carol cast. Special guests include characters from the Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

The official program begins at 5:15 p.m., and participants will throw the switch to light the tree at 5:29 p.m.

Starbucks will provide complimentary refreshments.

The 102nd annual Christmas tree is a 40-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Farina Family at Gen III Woodworks, and comes from Milwaukee’s 1st Aldermanic District. The Farina’s tree was selected following its first nomination this year.

2015 City/County Christmas Tree

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works Forestry Division staff decorated the tree with more than 5,000 lights, 90 ornaments, and more than 100 red ribbon bows.

Following the tree lighting ceremony, the celebration continues with the annual Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off Extravaganza at 6:00 p.m. in Pere Marquette Park across the Milwaukee River.

Meanwhile, the Capitol Christmas tree will be harvested, loaded and transported this week — arriving at the Capitol in Madison next Wednesday, November 18th.

The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association has agreed to donate their time to harvest and transport the tree that was provided by Brad and Elizabeth Kowieski of Rhinelander.

“We would like to thank the Kowieski family for donating the 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree,” Governor Walker said. “Families from around the state have the chance to enjoy a beautifully decorated State Capitol during the holiday season, and our tree is a focal point of those decorations. Our thanks to the Great Lake Timber Professionals Association as well for harvesting and transporting this balsam fir to Madison.”

“Our family is excited for the harvest and delivery of the Christmas tree to our State Capitol from Hodag Country,” said Brad Kowieski. “The 4th grade class from Nativity Our Lord Catholic School will witness the tree cutting by experts in the timber industry, with an opportunity to learn about forestry and its economical and historical importance to Wisconsin. We look forward to this wonderful event and the opportunity to donate our tree for visitors in the State Capitol to enjoy during the holiday season.”

Wisconsin Sports-themed ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree can still be submitted until Wednesday, November 25, 2015. Submissions can be made to:

Claire Franz

DOA/Division of Facilities Management

17 West Main Street, Suite 119

Madison, WI 53703