An enlightening gift

Sons of Legion, Chamber join forces to give Veterans Park a holiday glow

THE VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK gazebo recently received decorative holiday lights and a Christmas tree thanks to a collaborative effort between the Sons of the American Legion and the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce. Standing at the gazebo were (from left) organizers Lynn Crevcoure, Mary Butler and Sons of the American Legion members Craig Butler and Ken Konicek. Photo by Sam Arendt
By 
JOE POIRIER
Ozaukee Press Staff

The gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park recently received some holiday flare, thanks to the Sons of the American Legion and Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“I’ve heard a lot of people say, ‘Why didn’t we do this a long time ago?” said Craig Butler, who organized the installation of lighted a Christmas tree and wreaths at the 13th Avenue park.

“You go through communities that have their gazebos lit up, and it seems like every Christmas show has one, and I thought why doesn’t Grafton have that?”

Butler said he got the idea from his wife and a neighbor who have been discussing the idea for a few years. 

Butler, who is a member of the local Sons of the American Legion, approached the group in November about donating money to cover the cost of lighting. 

Members of the Sons group include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military. The organization holds various fundraisers throughout the year to help veterans and local community endeavors. 

When the Chamber caught wind of the Christmas spirit, Executive Director Pam King decided to donate a Christmas tree to complement the lights.

“The Sons of the American Legion and our Chamber really wanted to make a Hallmark moment for Grafton,” King said.

Butler said the Sons, along with a few other benefactors, raised about $400 to cover the cost of 15,000 lights for the gazebo and Christmas tree. The tree and light installation took two days and was completed by Wednesday, Nov. 20. About 10 people worked on the project.

“We did a red, white and blue theme to be patriotic,” Butler said.

Butler said it took a few weeks to research the cost of commercial lighting and finding decorations for the tree.

“I looked at a couple local places and the lights were very expensive, but I was able to secure a good price online,” he said.

Butler lived in the Village of Grafton for 14 years before moving to the Town of Grafton, where he has lived for 18 years. 

He said he hopes to keep the gazebo decorating tradition alive for future years and will store the lights in his garage after the holidays. He is seeking benefactors to donate a tree annually because a commercial tree is too expensive.

“It’s a great idea that came from the Sons of the American Legion,” Village President Jim Brunnquell said.

“It was a cooperative effort between the Sons, Chamber and village to enhance the holiday spirit.”

The lights at the gazebo turn on at 4:30 p.m.

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Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

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