Thank you to all who attended the New Melle Christmas Tree Lighting Nov. 28th. It was a smaller crowd than normal, but a fun and festive holiday event just the same.

Holiday music filled the air as people gathered and visited around the fire pits. Santa arrived by fire truck as planned at 6:00 p.m.* He greeted the crowd, threw the switch to light the tree, then walked around, talking or waving to the kids and posing for a few snapshots.

Several Teddy Bears and cash donations were collected for Teddy Bears for Trevor, and that collection will continue until December 15th. Please bring your donations to either Blondin Real Estate in the New Melle Town Square, or to Karrenbrock Construction at 4481 Hwy. Z — before December 15th! All donations are used to provide Teddy Bears and other toys in memory of Trevor Joerling for children who have to spend Christmas in the hematology floor at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Thanks also to everyone who helped plan and execute the event, which is co-sponsored by the New Melle Chamber of Commerce and New Melle Sports and Rec. Special thanks to Matt Joerling and Dana Davis for decorating the tree, and to Matt for donating the use of his giant Santa and building a new star for the tree top.

We live in a wonderful community with very generous people. May everyone have a safe and happy holiday season this year!

* We want to give special recognition to Cameron Reese, who stepped up to carry on the legacy of his father, Paul Reese, who had played Santa Claus since this event began several years ago. Paul died suddenly on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, and we send special prayers and blessings to Cameron and his family this holiday season.

A beautiful moonlight night for the New Melle Christmas Tree Lighting.

Santa greets the crowd with Carla Brakensiek and Sarah Hayak, event M.C.’s.

Santa talks to Kenneth by the fire truck.

Santa with Robbin Wolf and her granddaughter.

Dan Maixner taking a selfie with Santa.

Santa with New Melle Firefighters
(L-R: Daniel Halbrook, Dave Moeller and Scott Repke.

Carla Brakensiek (left) and Sarah Hayek (right) with New Melle Queen
contestants that helped with the event.