GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wisconsin Public Service confirms it withdrew its sponsorship of the National Railroad Museum’s Festival of Trees after the museum allowed a display by the Satanic Temple of Wisconsin.
The Satanic Temple tree is one of 66 in the museum’s annual Festival of Trees event. It’s inclusion has drawn criticism from religious and political leaders. The museum has said the entry did not violate the display terms and is following anti-discrimination laws, and will not remove it.
At an event Wednesday, several politicians called on the public to contact sponsors with their views.
Our company and charitable foundation supports free speech, however this act appears designed to provoke a strong reaction, not celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. We have asked for our sponsorship to be removed.
As of Friday morning, neither the WPS nor Festival Foods logos appear on the museum’s website under the “holiday event supporting sponsors” listing. Festival Foods has not responded to requests for a statement on the sponsorship question.
The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Railroad Museum. A group or individual pays between $75 and $150 for a tree. It is unclear how much any of the companies paid to be a larger sponsor of the holiday events.
The Festival of Trees display continues through Dec. 31.
