Vandals Remove Tree From Famous Holiday Light Display

Vandals are believed to be responsible for the cutting down of a tree that makes up part of the annual University Avenue holiday light display.

The tree was one of the trees in the middle of the display, according to Liz Cooper of the Shorewood Hills Foundation. Cooper said the Shorewood police noticed that the tree was missing on Thursday night and that they are currently working on a timeline of when it was taken. She said it’s likely it was unplugged and cut down in the early morning hours on Wednesday.

Cooper said they will plan on replacing the 8-foot arborvitae next summer. She said the trees on University Avenue have been growing since 1984.

Donations to cover the cost of replacing the tree can be sent to the Shorewood Hills Foundation Holiday Lights, M&I Bank, 401 N. Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53705.

Organizers said the tree probably won’t be replaced until next year at the earliest.