Governor Tony Evers Official Portrait
Governor Tony Evers has officially announced the theme for the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree
Governor Tony Evers has officially announced that the theme for the 2026 Wisconsin State Capitol Holiday Tree will be "The Year of the Neighbor." Marking his final year in office, the governor designated 2026 to celebrate the individuals and communities that help make Wisconsin a great place to call home. As part of this ongoing celebration throughout the festive season, Governor Evers is inviting students, educators, and families across the state to submit handmade ornaments that reflect what being a good neighbor means to them.
In a letter addressed to students and educators, Governor Evers highlighted his experiences traveling throughout Wisconsin during his nearly eight years in office. He shared that meeting residents in their homes, schools, businesses, and communities has continually deepened his pride in serving the state. The theme aims to honor all the neighbors who contribute to making Wisconsin an extraordinary place to live.
Displayed prominently in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol building, the Holiday Tree serves as a festive centerpiece for visitors and staff alike throughout the holiday season. The tree's decorations traditionally feature handcrafted creations sent in by children and families from every region of Wisconsin. Last year, the Capitol Holiday Tree received national recognition when USA Today ranked it seventh in the country in its 10 BEST Readers' Choice Awards for the "Best Public Holiday Lights Display."
All students and families interested in contributing to "The Year of the Neighbor" tree are welcome to send in their handmade ornaments. Submissions should be mailed by Friday, November 20, 2026, to Emily Gorman at the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Facilities and Transportation Services, 17 West Main Street, Suite 119, Madison, WI 53703.
To ensure the ornaments withstand shipping and handling during tree decoration, students are asked to construct them from non-breakable materials and avoid fragile items or paper cutouts that might tear easily. Recommended ornaments are four to six inches in size and feature vibrant colors that contrast well with the tree. Each submission should also include a ten-inch loop of ribbon or string for hanging. Questions regarding submissions can be directed to the Facilities Management Information Center at (608) 266-1485, and participants should note that submitted ornaments will not be returned.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.