Help Decorate the Holiday Tree!

You are invited to make an ornament for the annual state holiday tree displayed in the State Capitol rotunda throughout the month of December. This year the holiday tree is coming from the Brule River State Forest in the Northwest corner of Wisconsin. In keeping with the 2004 theme of the Year of Wisconsin Forestry, we’re asking that ornaments be made from paper, wood or natural materials found in a Wisconsin forest. Ornaments must be substantial enough to hold up during shipping and storage and withstand handling while the tree is being decorated. Therefore, simple paper cutouts that may tear easily are not recommended.

Following are guidelines to help you make an ornament. Let your creative juices flow and have fun! And thanks for your help in decorating the tree!

• Ornament must be made of wood, paper or natural materials from a Wisconsin forest to celebrate the Year of Wisconsin Forestry
• Ornaments that are 4 to 8 inches in size work best
• Ornaments must be lightweight (three pounds or less) so they don’t weigh down the branches but they must be sturdy enough to withstand shipping and handling
• Ornament colors that contrast with the green tree color have maximum visibility
• Ornament must be ready to hang; attach a 6 inch long loop to the ornament (a looped piece of 20 to 30-pound test fishing line or sturdy wire works best)
• Ornaments can be two-dimensional or crafted in a 3-D shape
• You may sign the ornament, but please note that you won’t get it back
• If a club or school class is making the ornament, you may include a photo of the group on the ornament
• Please include your name and address so we can acknowledge all group contributions
• Deadline for submitting ornaments is Friday, November 19, 2004

Send the ornament to the following address (we are unable to return any ornaments afterwards):

DOA / Capitol Bureau of Building Management
Attn: William Beckman
B20 Southeast, State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702

Thousands of visitors will be viewing the holiday tree at the State Capitol during December. They will enjoy your creative contribution and tribute to Wisconsin’s forest resource. Thanks for your participation. You are cordially invited to the tree lighting ceremony at noon on Friday, December 3, 2004 in the State Capitol rotunda.