Wendy Werner
CherryRoad Media
A three-block area on 5th Street in downtown Syracuse was once again the setting for the annual Tannenbaum celebration on December 3, 2024.
From 4:30-6:30 p.m. individuals of all ages enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and were treated to cookies, and various fun items and treats from local businesses and the city.
A chili dinner was hosted by the United Methodist Church and the line to talk to Santa Claus was long.
At dusk, the tree was lit by GermanFest royalty.
This year’s tree was donated by Bob and Barb Brandt. The lit parade included two tractors and Syracuse Fire and Rescue vehicles. A representative of the Nebraska State Patrol was a new addition this year and handed out teddy bears.
There was also a movie shown. At the Syracuse Library on the east end of the festivities, people were treated to cookies by the American Legion Auxiliary in the meeting room, music in the entry, and 25 Christmas trees throughout the library.
The trees were decorated by youth and community organizations with the ones decorated by the youth organizations receiving votes for the best decorated tree. National Honor Society won. Also in the library, 375 children’s books were given away.
A grant from the Syracuse Library Foundation funded the books.
Tannenbaum is organized by a volunteer committee of the Syracuse Area Chamber of Commerce and led by Chair Melissa Juilfs. Generous donations from 18 local businesses and organizations made the event possible.
They were Antes Family Hardware. Brandt, Horan, Hallstrom and Stilmock, Countryside Bank, Easter and Associates, FirstBank of Nebraska, Granneman Agency, John Deere, KanEquip, Runza, Southeast Community College Learning Center at Nebraska City, The Beer Stein, Staack Furniture and Carpeting, Inc., Syracuse Area Health, Syracuse Dental Clinic, Syracuse Library Foundation, Thrivent, TK Realty Group Burrows Tract Real Estate and Western National Bank.
