Posted on Friday December 26, 2014 by Vanessa Lenz

Santa's helpers continue 42-year tradition

Santa, Mrs. Claus and their entourage made their annual journey from the Elegant Farmer to East Troy via the East Troy Electric Railroad Santa Train on Saturday, Dec. 6.
 
The event has become a popular way to kick off the festive season in East Troy for decades. And this year was no exception.

 As per the 42-year-old tradition, cars lined the roadside of County Road ES to catch a glimpse of the beautifully lit four-car Santa Train as it traveled along the century-old interurban trolley line. Crowds filled the square for Santa’s arrival via East Troy Fire Department truck on his mission to light the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas Tree.
 
The East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the many, many volunteers who gave their time and talents to make the magical evening happen.
 
This year’s event was organized by chairman Dennis Ackeret of the East Troy Electric Railroad, committee members Lisa Dominski of the East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, Ellie Griffa of 2894 on Main, Alaina Ford of Citizens Bank and Bridgette Hopper and Ryan Jonas of the East Troy Electric Railroad.
 
In anticipation of Santa’s arrival, Marilyn Formella, Dave Werwinski and Karin Tuxidor of Cork ‘N Cleavage entertained the crowd on the square with Christmas carols and Cub Scout Pack 92 provided concessions.
 
Members of the East Troy Volunteer Fire Department and the Village of East Troy Police Department assured Santa and Mrs. Claus’ safe journey from the railroad crossing to the square.
 
David Allen of East Troy House led the tree lighting countdown with help from Ellie and Zak Griffa.
 
Following the tree lighting, people moved inside Ivan’s Backstage for the Holiday Marketplace, featuring entertainment by Cork ‘N Cleavage and photos with Santa. 
This year’s vendors included, Black Earth Meats, Bracelets for Orphans, Lil Sugar’s Pretties, Pheasant Run, Holiday Cupcakes by Sylvia Paprzyca, Nina’s Dairy Goats, Goal and V&K Honey. 
 
Jamie and Justin Rohrer of Corvia Technologies took the photos with help from DeAnne Conrad and Alaina Ford from Citizens Bank of Mukwonago, Sarah Alexander of Realty Executives and Bill Vint and Jerry Schneider from Sleeping Dogs Communications.

This year participants didn’t have to wait in line and everyone received a digital copy of their photo thanks to Ben Keating of the East Troy Computer Club and Jamie and Justin Rohrer. The photos raised $390 for the East Troy Food Pantry.

Santa committee members, Steve Nelson of the Village of East Troy Department of Public Works and East Troy High School students from Mark Beilman’s Tech Ed. class, including, Sam Foley, Spencer Williams, Elliot Salentine, Devin Peterson and Gabe Brahm dedicated their time to hang lights, garland and business sponsored light pole banners on the East Troy Village Square.
 
The following sponsors helped us make the square look merry and bright: East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, James R. Taylor & Sons, Allan Integrated Control Systems, Koskinen Eye Clinic, C-Dominski Plumbing, Troy BP, Cobblestone Farm, 5 O’Clock Somewhere Travel & Cruise, East Troy Area Historical Society, The Elegant Farmer and East Troy Tax Service.
 
Jeff Standafer and Rich Ambrose of Citizens Bank of Mukwonago braved the cold to help nearly 700 local school and daycare children decorate the trees on the square with handmade ornaments on Dec. 5, along with costumed characters, Thomas Standafer, Troy Ambrose and Andrew Zahn. The East Troy Community School District teachers, school secretaries and bus drivers helped with logistics, preparation of ornaments and transportation of students to the square.
 
Volunteers put the lights up on the Bob Barutha Memorial Christmas tree, including Ken Frymark, Russell Markestad and John O’Brien of Wisconsin Oven Corporation and Mike Barutha, Gary Neumann and Jeremy Parker of the East Troy Fire Department. Wisconsin Oven Corporation donated the lights and Lemburg Electric donated use of its lift truck.
 
East Troy High School National Art Honor Society members, including Hannah Williams, Emily Cadman, Alisha Reyes and Alyssa Pinkert, painted a new mural currently on display on the East Troy Village Square
 
Members from the East Troy and Mukwonago chambers of commerce helped decorate the Santa Train, including Ellie Griffa, Bridgette Hopper, DeAnne Conrad, Ann and Ted Zess and Sarah Alexander.  
 
Lake Beulah 4-H Club members portrayed Santa’s elves and other costumed characters for Santa’s arrival to light the tree, including Gina Henningfeld, Carl Hejdak, Sierra Kawelski, Lillian Geuder, Josiah Reinholz, Emma Henningfeld, Lindsey Cleveland, Nick Cleveland, Ray Salentine, Cade Johnson, Hauken Johnson, Max Hanson, Zachary Geuder, Randy Jacobs, Kristen Henningfeld and Lillian Hejdak.
 
Randy Timms and Rae Equitz graciously played their special roles.
 
Jen and Katie Hodges, Clare Gultch and Allie Parker of East Troy High School’s National Honor Society entertained riders on Santa's Special Train.

Emily Frame of Heart Tree Photography provided beautiful images of the train.

Trim-N-Tidy Cleaners graciously cleaned and stored all the costumes.


Special Thanks to our Chairman level Corporate Partner and longest standing member of over 47 years. Wisconsin Oven Corpooration

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