“Christmas in the Ward” Kicks Off Annual Holiday Tradition
Presented by PNC Bank, the free event includes family-friendly activities
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 26, 2019 – The Historic Third Ward ushers in the holiday season Friday, Dec. 6, with its annual “Christmas in the Ward” event in Catalano Square. Presented by PNC Bank, the 31st annual edition of the event begins with the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and will be emceed by 95.7 BIG FM’s afternoon drive host “Hannah.” The festivities will include fireworks over the river at 7 p.m.
“We are excited to welcome PNC Bank as our presenting sponsor for this year’s Christmas in the Ward,” said Jim Plaisted, Historic Third Ward Association Executive Director. “Our event welcomes thousands of visitors every year, and to help kick off the holiday season, some really special performances, fireworks, and a beautiful tree for all to enjoy throughout the season.”
The event is family-friendly and includes free admission.
“For 31 years, Christmas in the Ward has become a part of a community tradition for thousands here in Milwaukee,” said Chris Goller, PNC regional president of Wisconsin. “This event creates an opportunity for our Historic Third Ward to showcase an array of local organizations and businesses who, together, bring out the best in the spirit of giving throughout the holiday season.”
The itinerary of events and attractions include:
- 5:30 p.m. – The tree lighting ceremony kicks off the event with the Milwaukee Police Band performing a holiday concert.
- Anthony Catalano will lead the countdown to light the 40-foot Christmas tree, which is decorated with more than 3,000 colored lights. Anthony is the last of the second generation of the Catalano Produce Company, which Catalano Square was named after in 1984.
- 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – In Jolly’s Gingerbread House, kids of all ages can visit with Santa and have their picture taken for a $5 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.
- 6:45 p.m. – Guests can enjoy a performance by the Trinity Irish Dancers.
- 7 p.m. – Physicians Realty Trust fireworks display over the river.
- During the event, visitors can ride through the neighborhood in a horse-drawn carriage starting at North Broadway and East Chicago ($3 adults, $1 children).
- Appearances by Jolly and Ginger Gingerbread, Frosty the Snowman and SANTA CLAUS!
Discounted parking will be available in the Historic Third Ward parking structures located at 212 N. Milwaukee St. and 225 E. Chicago St.
Christmas in the Ward is presented by PNC Bank and the Historic Third Ward Association and is made possible by the generosity of our neighbors and sponsors. Thank you to our presenting sponsor PNC Bank, as well as our fireworks sponsor Physicians Realty Trust and tree and holiday lights sponsor Town Bank. Additional thanks to Silver Level sponsors Cornerstone Realtors, Joseph Property Development, La Macchia Group, Mandel Group and Salvation Army. We are grateful to Bronze Level sponsors Milwaukee Public Market, American Transmission Corporation, Eppstein Uhen Architects, Herzfeld Foundation, Milwaukee World Festival and Walker Forge.
Catalano Square is located in the Historic Third Ward at North Broadway and East Menomonee streets.
For more information about Christmas in the Ward presented by PNC Bank, call 414.273.1173 or visit historicthirdward.org/experience/events/christmas-in-the-ward/
PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
ABOUT THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION
The Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) is a private non-profit, financed through a combination of the BID, City and membership support. Created in 1976, the Association’s goal is to promote the economic interests of the Historic Third Ward neighborhood. It acts as a catalyst to develop the district as an innovative, livable and exciting mixed-use neighborhood while preserving its historic and creative character.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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