Tannenbaum builds Christmas memories

SYRACUSE – A large crowd cheered and applauded at the lighting of the Christmas tree in the center of main street Tuesday evening to highlight this year’s Tannenbaum in Syracuse.

 

With the help of a former burgermeister, the Germanfest Lil’ Meister Ollie Johnson and Lil’ Miss Ava Teten pushed the button to light the 28-foot tree donated by St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Germanfest Queen Laurel Kreifels said Tannenbaum builds a lot of Christmas memories for visitors and residents of all ages.

  

Kreifels: “I grew up actually just a block down the street from here so every year,  the Christmas tree, I could see it from my front yard growing up.”

Kim Kreifels was among the volunteers at fire pits, photo booths, reindeer stable, outdoor movie and visit with Santa.

Kreifels: “You know it’s a community event. It really brings everybody in the community together. It’s awesome seeing everybody come in this community and supporting all the businesses on main street.”

 

Judith Masters Moore, a weekly volunteer at the Otoe County Museum of Memories, explained why the museum was open for its first Tannenbaum.

Moore: “To bring more people in. This is the most people we’ve seen in a while and we’re happy to have them come visit.”

The museum is dedicated to preserve historical items, but is named for memories like those surrounding the Christmas season.

Moore: “The families would get together. They would eat. Eating was very important and everybody would pitch in and bring food. You’d spread out the dining room table and make it larger. Sometimes it was similar to a house party, they would stay two or three days.”

The high school band and chorus performed and a chili supper was served.