The holiday spirit is strong at North Shore Bank and Illinois State Bank. Here’s a selection of photos from holiday events our branches have held or participated in. We’ll run more as more photos come in!

Grafton Christmas Parade, Nov. 24. Our Grafton branch showed up for the town’s parade and sponsored a performance by Wisconsin’s own Wacky Wheeler, who came out in holiday garb for the event.

VP Ron Knaus (left) and Grafton Branch Manager Dane Didier carry the North Shore Bank logo in the Christmas parade, assisted by Dane’s niece Miette and daughter Camryn.

The Wacky Wheeler, sponsored by North Shore Bank, rolls over a line of people at the parade, including Dane and his niece.

Oak Creek Open House, Dec. 1. Visitors who showed up at Oak Creek’s open house received a free dinner from El Fogon Tacos and dessert from Yo Fresh Yogurt Cafe if they opened a checking account. They could also meet Santa between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Donations of canned food went to benefit the Salvation Army.

SB Rebecca Dougherty, Branch Manager Joline Hendren, DM Janet Dexter, BOC Jay Guzzetta, CSR Marie Hamilton and PB Senka Shkreli (standing), along with CSRs Yamilka Lopez and Destiny Watson (on Santa’s lap) get their holiday cheer on at Oak Creek’s open house.

Jackson Park Tree Lighting, Dec. 7. An elementary school band provided the holiday soundtrack at the annual tree lighting, and guests could also meet Santa and enjoy refreshments.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Ald. Joe Dudzick, Jackson Park Association President Ken Franzen and North Shore Bank District Manager Janet Dexter smile in front of the lit tree.

CSR Orlandrea Lesure, BOC Cliserio Gonzalez, DM Janet Dexter, CSR Jasmine Farrell, SB Kimberly Dane, Branch Manager Shuron White, PB Yvette Burdette and CSR Marcia Mejia surround BCSM Marge Stai (on lap) and Santa at Jackson Park.

Paul Galaszewski, grandson of Jackson Park BCSM Marge Stai, takes in the festivities.

Cudahy Sweater Contest, Dec. 7. To celebrate the season, Cudahy employees put out Christmas cookies and coffee for customers — and donned “unique” holiday sweaters for the day. Customers received ballots so they could vote on their favorite of the sweaters. PB Jennifer Otto won the contest.

CSR Jenny Guzman, BOC Sakhone Phakphoom, CSR Jody Davis and PB Jennifer Otto pose behind Cudahy Branch Manager Suzanne Thomas. Jenny, Sakhone and Jennifer made their outfits by adding decorations by hand to plain sweaters.

Corporate Holiday Get-Together and Gift Drive, Dec. 12. Our Corporate Community Outreach Committee planned a holiday get-together for all employees at Brookfield Square. The party included contests for the “Most Spirited Holiday Attire” and the “Yummiest Holiday Cookies.” Corporate Receptionist Nancy Hanson, VP Jim Saladin and HR Rep Cheryl Fregoso took first, second and third, respectively, in the holiday attire contest. Loan Funding Rep Sarah Gantner won the cookie contest; Loan Funding Rep Marna Thillemann took second. The other bakers were PB Jonathan Habighorst, Commercial Loan Services Team Leader Cheryl Lancaster, Payroll Administrator Cindy Lohrey, VP Molly Schissler and Senior Mortgage Loan Underwriter Peggy Winchell. Cookie judges were Loss Prevention Manager Peggy Theisen and VP Kevin Wilderman.

Loan Funding Team Leader Brent Neumann, Loan Funding Rep Judy Dean and Loan Funding Rep Sarah Gantner sample the cookies at Corporate’s party. Sarah won the cookie contest.

Business Banking Officer Jim Andritsch, Business Banking Loan Administrator Mary Fleischman, Cheryl Lancaster and Senior Checking Services Rep Mary Sue Rasinske each won a prize in the day’s raffle. Employees also donated $190 to the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County, which promotes and coordinates giving to families in need during the Christmas season.

Holiday lights illuminate the bank’s Corporate headquarters.