GILLETT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Volunteers in the city of Gillett are gearing up for their annual “Christmas in the Park” celebration.
Preparations are nearly complete, transforming Zippel Park into a welcoming winter wonderland.
Inside the Oconto County Youth Fair Building, a big red couch is ready to go for a Saturday morning visit.
“Santa arrives at 11:15. Pictures with Santa for a nominal fee. It’s three dollars. And it goes into a nice folder. We have a professional photographer taking the pictures,” said Betty Jane Baranczyk, Gillett Lions Club Treasurer.
Gillett Lions Club Treasurer Betty Jane Baranczyk is organizing the 24th annual Christmas in the Park. She says there will be food, raffles, and more. 2023’s theme, is turning the inside of the exhibition hall a little green.
“We went with ‘Grinch-mas’ for this year. And as you can see, everything in here, is Grinch. We have Whoville back in the corner. We have Grinch. The big blow up over in the corner, you can win. The Grinch is going to make a spot appearance,” said Baranczyk.
A block away, St. John’s Lutheran Church is holding a craft fair Saturday morning. And across the street, Zippel Park will host an evening fireworks show. On the ground people will be able to drive along the numerous displays from individuals, and area businesses. Jerry Luther is the Gillett Lions Club President.
“We do it for the community, to get people into town, and hopefully besides just coming here, they will visit our businesses in town. It just makes a nice, welcoming expression of Christmas for people. Some people no longer can put a Christmas tree up, or put their outside decorations up. So, they can come through, and see these. And it just puts a smile on everyone’s face,” said Jerry Luther, Gillett Lions Club President.
Organizers say throughout the event, about 500 people could visit Gillett’s “Christmas in the Park.”
