Gov. Scott Walker made his annual Christmas tree lighting event more eventful than in past years by taking an unexpected tumble in front of the Executive Residence on Sunday.
Earlier, the governor had asked the children in the crowd to yell for Santa, who then made a surprise visit.
“Looks like you had a little turkey for Thanksgiving there, Santa,” Walker quipped. He then invited the children to sing Jingle Bells.
Guests were given candles as they came in, and before the tree was lit, Walker encouraged them to light their candles without catching anyone on fire.
Finally, he led the crowd in counting down from 10 to the tree lighting. After the tree lit up, he suddenly fell. The crowd hushed.
He’s been “nipping at the eggnog a little bit, feeling festive,” Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett joked as she took the microphone to help smooth over the gaffe.
John Ahl, of Black River Falls, whose family donates the indoor Christmas trees for the Executive Residence, gave the governor credit for getting up quickly.
Ahl said Walker “jumped off the ground” as if to say “I’m still spry,” clapped his hands, and said he was OK.
The highlight for him, Ahl said, was watching the glee of the children when Santa arrived. “There’s nothing like a 4-year-old’s eyes” as he has his mouth wide open, looking at Santa, Ahl said.
Ahl’s family runs Northern Family Farms in Merrillan, which he said has been donating its trees to Republican governors in the Executive Residence for years, and to the Walkers for their fifth Christmas in the mansion. The giant centerpiece tree outside came from Meyer’s Castle Tree Farm in Medford.
At Sunday’s tree lighting, nearly 60 members of the faith-based Teen Challenge choir sang 10 Christmas carols in front of the residence, led by choir director Georgine Johnson. The Milwaukee chapter of the national program serves teens and adults recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
After the tree was lit, the crowd was able to walk through the lower level of the residence and take photos with the governor and first lady Tonette Walker.
Sunday’s event was invitation-only, but the public is invited in for free tours of the Executive Residence on six occasions in the next two weeks to view and take photos of the mansion’s holiday decorations.
“The Executive Residence belongs to the people of Wisconsin and we are excited to welcome them inside for holiday tours once again to share in the festive decorations,” Walker said in a statement.
Visitors are invited to bring new or gently used mittens, hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, jackets and snow pants for the state Department of Tourism’s Big Bundle Up Campaign.
Nonperishable food items also will be accepted for Second Harvest Foodbank before and after the tours and donated to those in need.
Holiday open house hours are:
- Thursday: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Friday: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon.
- Wednesday, Dec. 9: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 10: Noon to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 12: 9 a.m. to noon.
The Executive Residence is at 99 Cambridge Road on Madison’s northeast side in the village of Maple Bluff.
