Fall into Holiday Fun at Bronner's
Elephant and Donkey Sales to Forecast Election Results?
Artist Appearances Usher in Holidays
Bronner's Welcomes
Department 56 Artist Greg Beilke
Stirring
It Up a Second Time
Artist's
Brush Strokes Will Tickle Collector's Fancy
Department
56 Village Display Designer Teaches at Bronner's
American
Flag Designer to Appear at Bronner's
New
Ornament Designs Debut for 2008
Wally
Bronner is with the Christ of Christmas in Heaven
Hiipakka Is on Target for Johnny Burke Children's Foundation
Media
Celebrities Compete to Benefit Charity
Bronner's
Gathering Celebrated an Italian Christmas
Bronner's
Hosts Holiday Sing-alongs
It's
Green - Christmas Green - for CNBC Business Reporter
Artists
to Appear at Bronner's
Black
Friday Fun at Bronner's
Extreme
Christmas Comes to Bronner's
No
Bah Humbug Here
Mid-Michigan
Author to Sign at Bronner's
Fall
into Holiday Fun at Bronner's
Artists
to Appear at Bronner's
Ornament
Glassblower and Painter Return to Bronner's
Department 56 Open House Doubles the Fun
Hummel Connection Brings German Guests to Bronner's
Artist's Brush Strokes Will Tickle Collector's Fancy
Wally or Santa? You Decide
Doll Designer to Appear at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
FALL INTO HOLIDAY FUN AT BRONNER'S
November 5, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Looking for something fun and educational to usher in the holidays? Meet Connie Larsen, ornament artist for Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. Connie will be personalizing and signing her ornament designs purchased at Bronner’s on November 13, 14, 20, 21, and December 4 and 5 near west entrance. She will also be signing purchases of Bronner’s book, “Ornament Legends, Symbols, & Traditions,” which she illustrated.
André Gabricht serves as creative director and artist with G. DeBrekht Artistic Studios. He will greet guests and sign purchases of the company’s fine Russian gifts on Saturday, November 15, from noon to 5 p.m.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the presentation, “St. Nicholas: from Saint to Santa,” in Bronner’s program center on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16. The half-hour performance by St. Nick at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily involves audience participation. There is no charge to attend.
Michigan ornament artist Margaret Cobane will sign purchases of her ornaments at Bronner’s on Saturday and Sunday, November15 and 16. Santa is a recurring subject in much of her work.
For more information, contact Bronner’s customer service department at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com
ELEPHANT AND DONKEY SALES TO FORECAST ELECTION RESULTS?
October 20, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland has sold 762 Republican elephant ornaments to date in 2008 compared to 349 Democratic donkey ornaments - more than a 2-1 ratio. Could 2008 Republican elephant and Democratic donkey ornament sales at Bronner's forecast presidential election results?
"Not necessarily," said Lori Libka, Bronner's communications assistant. "Republican elephant ornaments outsold Democratic donkey ornaments at Bronner's in 2007, a non-election year, by 1,175 to 762 - more than a 1.5-1 ratio. It's difficult to say why we sell more elephants than donkeys. Do more Republicans shop here? Are Republicans more passionate about displaying their political affiliation on their Christmas trees? Or is it a forecast of election results? I don't know."
"You can defiitely tell it's an election year," said Bronner's buyer Kerri Kritzman. "Elephant and donkey ornament sales are brisk."
ARTIST APPEARANCES USHER IN HOLIDAYS
October 13, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Glass ornament designer Susan Cherry will greet guests and sign Cherry Designs ornaments purchased at Bronner's on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26. She will appear on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Each new 2008 Cherry Designs ornament comes with a coordinating, silver-plated charm that can be added to a charm bracelet or necklace.
Annalee designers Linda and Leslie will assist guests in assembling their own Annalee dolls on Saturday, October 25. Guests may pick hair color, clothing and accessories from all seasons to create a special look. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Santa room near Bronner's south entrance.
For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
BRONNER'S WELCOMES
DEPARTMENT 56 ARTIST GREG BEILKE
October 3, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland will hold its annual Department 56 Open House on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. Village artist Greg Beilke will greet guests and sign Department 56 purchases. Beilke is known for his designs for the Alpine Village series.
Beilke will sign on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A Department 56 representative will be available to answer Department 56 product questions, and guests may enter a drawing for a chance to win retired Department 56 pieces. Village buildings from the new line centered on the classic holiday film, "A Christmas Story," will also be available.
For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
STIRRING IT UP A SECOND TIME
Bronner's Staff Debuts Second Cookbook Following Successful First
August 14, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - The staff of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is stirring things up with the publication of their new cookbook, "Bronner's Flavorful Favorites, Book 2." Over 140 staff members contributed just over 400 year-round recipes to the three-ring, hardcover cookbook.
Designed by Bronner's and printed in the USA, this 7-inch by 9 1/4-inch cookbook features original artwork and a legend or story related to each section. "Bronner's Flavorful Favorites, Book 2" offers a wide variety of recipes: everything from appetizers and beverages to soups and salads to main dishes to desserts and more. The new cookbook follows the successful release and several reprints of Bronner's first staff cookbook in 2005.
"Bronner's Flavorful Favorites, Book 2" is available in-store and online at www.bronners.com for $14.99. Or order by phone from Bronner's customer service by calling (989) 652-9931.
ARTIST'S BRUSH STOKES WILL TICKLE COLLECTOR'S FANCY
July 28, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Master painter Ulrich Tendera will demonstrate Hummel figurine painting daily at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland from August 8-10. He will also sign any Hummels purchased at Bronner's during the event. Tendera will appear Friday from 3:30-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. On Saturday he will sign from 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m., and 7-8 p.m. His Sunday hours will be 12:30-6 p.m.
Tendera began his distinguished career with W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik in Rödental, Germany, in the painting department at the age of 17. He worked in various departments where he learned the skill and expertise involved in the decoration of M.I. Hummel figurines. In 1980, he was entrusted with the position of head of quality control for the white ware department.
Goebel recently announced that they will discontinue the production of M.I. Hummel figurines by the end of 2008. Tendera's appearance at Bronner's provides area collectors with one last opportunity to add signed figurines to their collection.
For more information, contact Bronner's customer service department at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
DEPARTMENT 56 VILLAGE DISPLAY DESIGNER TEACHES AT BRONNER'S
July 22, 2008
Frankenmuth, Michigan - Jill Schlung, Department 56 village display designer, will be demonstrating "how-to" display ideas at Bronner's on Saturday, August 2. She will hold two separate sessions in Bronner's program center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Schlung has been featured on HGTV's "Design Cents."
The 10 a.m. session will feature the Snow Village and the 1 p.m. session will feature the North Pole Village. A question and answer period will follow each session. Guests may also enter a drawing to win a Department 56 Village prize.
The public is invited to attend; there is no charge for admission. Guests can also watch Schlung refreshing Bronner's Village floor displays on Thursday and Friday, July 31 and August 1.
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland is the world's largest Christmas store, offering over 50,000 trims and gifts from its Frankenmuth store, catalog and online store at bronners.com. Bronner's employs over 250 people year-round - about 650 people in the busy fourth quarter.
AMERICAN
FLAG DESIGNER TO APPEAR AT BRONNER'S
June
24, 2008
Frankenmuth,
Michigan - Bob Heft, designer of America's current 50-star flag, will be appearing
at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland on July 3 and 4. He will greet guests, pose
for photos and sign flag purchases at Bronner's on July 3 from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. and on July 4 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Heft
does not charge for his autograph but encourages donations to Michigan's Own
Military and Space Museum. For more information, contact Bronner's customer
service department at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
NEW
ORNAMENT DESIGNS DEBUT FOR 2008
June
6, 2008
Frankenmuth,
Michigan – Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is offering a number of
new, exclusive ornaments for 2008. Businesses may call Bronner’s resale
ornament department at 1-877-TRIM-A-TREE or visit www.bronnerswholesale.com
for more information.
Bronner’s
Holy Bible glass form ornament is available in black (#1133123) or white (#1133124).
The ornament is 3½ inches tall and 2½ inches wide and retails
for $9.99. Can be personalized.
Hit
the road with Bronner’s Christmas license-plate glass form ornament (#1133050).
The ornament is 4 inches long and 2 inches tall, can be personalized as a vanity
plate of choice, and retails for $9.99.
Satisfy
your sweet tooth with Bronner’s cinnamon-roll glass form ornament (#1133120).
Measuring 4 inches in diameter, the ornament retails for $6.99.
Horse
lovers will fancy Bronner’s glass horse form ornament (#1133125). This
brown, galloping horse ornament is 3½ inches tall and 4½ inches
long, and retails for $8.99.
Bronner’s
margarita glass ornament (#1133121) stands 4½ inches tall and retails
for $8.99. Accented with glass lime slice.
It’s
out of the pocket and onto the tree for Bronner’s glass pocket-knife ornament
(#1133122). The 3½-inch ornament retails for $8.99 and can be personalized.
Sport
a traditional look with Bronner’s glass tree ornament (#1133823). Decorations
adorn the tree and tiny packages are tucked underneath it. The 5-inch tall tree
ornament retails for $9.99
Bronner’s
annual form ornament, produced in Poland, features a decorative wreath for 2008.
The glass ornament (#1135329) measures
4
inches in diameter and retails for $19.99.
The
2008 annual round ornament features decorative wreath art on a
3¼-inch,
white-pearl glass ornament with a message from artist Connie Larsen printed
in red on the back. The annual round (#1129541) retails for $9.99.
Delightful
bee art and heart trims in red and black carry the message, “Home Is Where
My Honey Is!” on Bronner’s round glass ornament (#1128873). The
yellow-satin, 3-inch ornament retails for $8.99. Perfect for personalization.
“The
ROOTS of a family tree begin … with the LOVE of TWO HEARTS,” is
captured amid tree art on this Bronner-exclusive, round glass ornament (#1128875).
The red-satin, 3-inch ornament, printed in white, retails for $8.99. Perfect
for personalization.
The
Helen Keller quote, “The best and most beautiful things … must
be felt with the HEART,” is featured on this 3-inch, round glass ornament
(#1128876). With black print and red trim, this white-pearl ornament retails
for $7.99.
Bronner’s
has the love equation all figured out with “YOU + ME = MEANT TO BE.”
Printed in black and red on a white-pearl finish, the round glass ornament (#112885)
replaces each letter “O” with a heart. The 3-inch ornament retails
for $8.99. Perfect for personalization.
Bronner’s
CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the World’s
Largest Christmas Store, with over 50,000 trims and gifts. Thousands of items
are available for purchase at www.bronners.com.
Bronner’s commercial department also supplies cities, parks, shopping
centers, malls, churches, and movie production companies with seasonal decorations.
WALLY
BRONNER IS WITH THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
April 2, 2008
Frankenmuth,
Michigan – Wally Bronner, originator of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland,
was welcomed home to heaven by the Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 1, 2008. Born
on March 9, 1927, in Frankenmuth, Wally established a sign-painting and Christmas-decorations
business in 1945, which has grown to the World’s Largest Christmas Store®.
On Easter Sunday, March 24, 2008, Wally announced to his staff by letter that
“our loving Lord and Savior, the CHRIST of CHRISTmas, is ready to receive
me into HIS heavenly kingdom where all believers in the creator God will be
with Him forever and ever.” Wally leaves behind his wife Irene, son Wayne
and his wife Lorene, daughter Carla and her husband Bob, son Randy, daughter
Maria Sutorik and her husband Christopher, and five grandsons: Dietrich and
Garrett Bronner; and Ryan, Paul and Greg Spletzer. Wally turned over the day-to-day
operations of the family business to the second generation in 1998 but had remained
active in the business and enjoyed being there every day ending in “y.”
Wally was an active member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church and many community
organizations. He was an active public speaker. Wally also was an avid supporter
of many charitable organizations.
In thankfulness to God for His many blessings, Wally and Irene and family constructed
the Silent Night Memorial Chapel on Bronner’s premises in 1992. (Bronner’s
memorial chapel is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, that
was built on the site where “Silent Night” was first sung in 1818.)
Wally loved to share his Christian faith summarized in these 25 words: “For
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
In lieu of flowers, Wally’s and the family wishes are that memorials be
made to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Gideons,
or the City of Frankenmuth Beautification Fund.
Bronner's
will be closed Monday, April 7 from 9am-12:30pm in observance of Originator
Wally Bronner's funeral.
HIIPAKKA
IS ON TARGET FOR JOHNNY BURKE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION
February 5, 2008
Frankenmuth,
Michigan - Local media celebrities were aiming at $1,014 in prize money for
their favorite charities February 1 at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland's Hot
Shot Archery Contest.
Six
broadcasters competed in the archery shoot:
- Larry Elliott
with WJRT TV12 for the Frankenmuth International Aid Foundation,
- Amy Andrews with
WNEM TV5 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Saginaw County,
- Jim Johnson with
WGER for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,
- Karl Hiipakka
with WHNN for the Johnny Burke Children's Foundation,
- Katie Crawford
with WIOG for the Children's Miracle Network, and
- Barb Sheltraw
with WKCQ for Holiday PRIDE in Saginaw.
Larry
Elliott led all archers in the preliminary round with 200 points. He advanced
to the final round along with Amy Andrews and Karl Hiipakka. Hiipakka edged
Elliott in the final round, 75 points to 60 points, to win a check from Bronner's
for $1,014 for the Johnny Burke Children's Foundation. In recognition of Elliott's
outstanding preliminary round and strong finish, the Bronner family awarded
the Frankenmuth International Aid Foundation a check for $500.
The
Hot Shot Local Media Celebrity Archery Contest kicked off Bronner's Be My Valentine
Sale. Guests receive 14 percent off most in-store purchases throughout the month
of February. For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989)
652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.
PHOTO:
(l to r) Amy Andrews, Karl Hiipakka, Jim Johnson, Larry Elliott, Barb Sheltraw
and Katie Crawford
competed for their favorite charities in Bronner's Hot Shot Local Media Celebrity
Archery Contest.
PHOTO:
(l to r) Karl Hiipakka from WHNN finished in first place on behalf of the Johnny
Burke Children's Foundation, and Larry Elliott
from WJRT TV12 finished in second place on behalf of the Frankenmuth International
Aid Foundation.
MEDIA
CELEBRITIES COMPETE TO BENEFIT CHARITY
January
23, 2008
Frankenmuth,
Michigan - Local media celebrities will be aiming at $1,014 for their favorite
charity when they take a bow and arrows in hand on February 1 at Bronner's CHRISTmas
Wonderland. The preliminary round of Bronner's Hot Shot Local Media Celebrity
Archery Contest will be held at 10:30 a.m. at south checkout. Three entrants
will advance to the final round at 11 a.m. The winner will earn a check from
Bronner's for $1,014 for his favorite charity.
Ten
broadcast and print media celebrities are competing in the archery shoot:
- Dave Leval with
WEYI TV25 for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan,
- Larry Elliott
with WJRT TV12 for the Frankenmuth International Aid Foundation,
- Charlie Rood
with WSGW for the Salvation Army of Saginaw County,
- Peter Brooks
with 99.7 Family Life Radio for Youth Haven Ranch,
- Jim Johnson with
WGER for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,
- Karl Hiipakka
with WHNN for the Johnny Burke Children's Foundation
- Katie Crawford
with WIOG for the Children's Miracle Network,
- Barb Shelt
