A jolly band of 50 carolers brought holiday harmony to Milwaukee’s north side Friday afternoon, during Christmas Caroling on North Avenue. The festive event was sponsored by Business Improvement District (BID) 32.
After fueling up on Christmas cookies and hot cocoa at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, the carolers grabbed sheet music, Santa hats and jingle bells and took to the streets. Among the spirited singers were Ald. Russell W. Stamper II, Milwaukee County Supervisors Supreme Moore Omokunde and Sequanna Taylor, BID 32 President Sharon Adams and BID board members Arthur Wilson and Sr. Edna Lonergan, president of St. Ann Center.
“We lifted North Avenue up today with our voices,” said John Jansen, St. Ann Center Vice President of Grants, Community and Capital Development. “The street was alive with the Christmas spirit, both in the singers and in the many motorists who honked, rolled down their windows and sang along with us. We’ll double our numbers next year.”
Several clients from Curative Care, a BID member, joined the music makers as they strolled alongside the busy street, stopping on corners and ducking into businesses to share a carol or two. The event is just one of many efforts to revitalize the North Avenue business corridor. “I am hopeful that this will become an annual holiday event that uplifts the neighborhood and puts smiles on everyone’s faces,” said Ald. Stamper.