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42 Years of a Milwaukee Holiday Tradition

Credit Kaiser Family
Kara Kaiser at the then M&I display as a baby.

If you grew up in Milwaukee, the holiday display downtown at M&I Bank, now BMO Harris, might bring back memories.

It does for Kara Kaiser, who is now regional president of the bank where her dad worked years ago.

From life size bears to tiny ducks, the Steiff stuffed animal display has been a Milwaukee tradition for over four decades.

Patrons - and passersby - who find themselves in the bank's lobby this year will be surrounded by the costumed animals arranged in a tribute to The Nutcracker.

Longtime holiday display admirer and regional president for BMO Harris Bank, Kara Kaiser, takes us on a tour of the current display and through its history.

1979

Credit BMO Harris

1986

Credit BMO Harris

    1991

Credit BMO Harris

2007

Credit BMO Harris

2014

Credit Michelle Maternowski

SuppAudio-kaiser.mp3
Kara Kaiser shares the story of a Milwaukee couple who eloped and then had their wedding pictures taken at the holiday display.

The 42nd annual holiday display in the BMO Harris building is open through January 5th.