Evers lights Holiday Tree at the State Capitol

You know it’s the holiday season when there’s a big ol’ tree in the Wisconsin State Capitol. Every year, there’s a special ceremony to flip on the lights.

Gov. Evers kicked off the holiday season at a ceremony on Thursday, surrounded by educators and students from across the state, with musical accompaniment from the La Crosse Central High School Band. The theme for 2025? The Year of the Kid.

Honoring educators across Wisconsin

The tree is called The Learning Tree, and it honors students and educators from all over Wisconsin. It’s decorated with hundreds of ornaments made by students from all over the state.  

The guests of honor on Thursday included Mr. Peanuts, real name Rodney Esser, who’s been the custodian at Park Elementary School in Cross Plains for 61 years. 

“I just love what I do. Every morning, these little people will come into school. And it isn’t just limited to little people, who throw hugs at me, and high-fives, and fistbumps. Staff as well.”

Green Bay West High School teacher Ellie Hinz-Radue talked about what’s kept her going after 36 years in the classroom.

“I think you can say, it’s love.”

The Learning Tree

The 30-foot-tall Balsam fir came from the Dave and Mary Vandervelven family in Oconto County.

It was loaded and transported by Ponsse North America, Inc. of Rhinelander, with a trailer donated by Matt Carothers of Superior Woodland. Fabick Cat of Madison unloaded the tree when it arrived in Madison.

The display has been nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Displays. We’ll find out who tops the list next Wednesday. 

The tree will be on display through the end of the year.

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