Photos

Sam Schlitz is the winner of this year’s Big Buck Contest at Oconto Middle School. Sam was hunting on public land in the Goodman area with his father, Josh, when he shot this 8-pointer on the afternoon of Nov. 18. It was Sam’s first deer. Contributed
Santa Claus himself wrapped up the big parade Dec. 1 in downtown Shawano as he rode atop a fire engine with the Shawano Area Fire Department. Lee Pulaski | NEW Media
Beckett Bloedorn, 9 months, doesn’t seem particularly interested in getting a photograph with Santa Claus on Dec. 2 at The Lumberyard Bar and Grill. The Bonduel Lions Club facilitated Santa’s visit, along with a petting zoo and horse-drawn wagon rides. Lee Pulaski | NEW Media
As Gillett celebrates the opening of the annual Christmas in the Park light displays Dec. 2, fireworks roar over Zippel Park. The lights will be on nightly through New Year’s.
Ariana Parmer sports a pair of antlers at her craft table at the Christmas Fair at Shepherd’s Watch Christian Academy on Dec. 2. Another Christmas Fair was also held that day at the Mattoon Community Center. Kevin Passon | NEW Media
Trina Kluck shows of the wreaths and other decorations she had for sale Dec. 2 at the Wittenberg Christmas Craft Fair at the WOWSPACE in downtown Wittenberg. The owner, designer and creator has been crafting for many years and taking part in area craft fairs just as long. Kevin Passon | NEW Media
The Forest Industry Safety Training Alliance (FISTA)-Earl St. John Education Fund has donated $4,500 to help offset the costs of an upcoming field trip for seventh grade students at Shawano Community Middle School as they spend three days in Eagle River at Trees for Tomorrow. Recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, SCMS has been busy organizing this annual environmental field trip to enhance students’ understanding of ecological systems, biodiversity and sustainable practices. Contributed
The Holly Jolly Trolley made its way up and down Main Street on Nov. 25 as part of Shawano’s Shop Small Saturday celebration. The trolley made several stops along the street, operating from mid-morning to the evening. Festivities then moved to Franklin Park.
Santa Claus makes his way through the crowd after arriving at East Side Beach on Nov. 25 at the annual launch of the Oconto Falls Avenue of Lights.
The Winter Wonderland lights are reflected in the Oconto River on a calm night Nov. 25. Visitors can drive through Holt Campground in Oconto and see dozens of sponsored light displays throughout the Christmas season from 5-11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 14. Warren Bluhm | NEW Media
Scott Wycherley, center, of the Christian Food Pantry accepts a $1,000 donation from Wabeno American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44, represented by Karen Prueter, left, and Lorry Runge. Contributed
Mickey Schipferling, left, coordinator of the 2023 Don and Ora Lea Bartels Charity Tournament, presents a check for $5,273 to Lakes Country Public Library Board Trustee Linda McKenna. This is the second year event organizers have supported the library’s building project by donating half the proceeds. The library’s building expansion committee reports that construction has begun, with the group just $100,000 short of its $1.5 million goal. To donate, call the library at 715-276-9020. Contributed
Helen Raddant, of Shawano, looks over the selection of holiday wreaths at the St. James Lutheran School Craft and Bake Sale on Nov. 4. Dozens of crafters filled the gym and hallway at the school, with ample room for a variety of baked goods for those who attended. Kevin Passon | NEW Media
Both gymnasiums inside Suring School bustle with activity Nov. 5 for the annual Middle School Student Council Holiday Craft Fair. About 50 vendors set up shop with plenty of goods celebrating fall and the holidays from Halloween through Christmas. Warren Bluhm | NEW Media