Sales benefit Wolf River Theatrical Troupe

By Lori Schneider

Angie Kamba stands next to a long, high pile of cut balsam branches earmarked for holiday swags. Proceeds from the swag sale go directly to the Wolf River Theatrical Troupe to produce live theatre for the community. Lori Schneider photo

Holiday pine swags created by Wolf River Theatrical Troupe (WRTT) members will be on sale under the Festival Foods entrance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The swags are made to decorate exterior entryways, walls, fences, and posts. The pine decoration will last through February when kept out of doors.

The balsam, donated from a fellow WRTT member, are first transported and stacked in piles. The pine scent stirs each time a new swag is tied by Angie Kamba, a long-time member of WRTT.

Once tied, the swags receive a brightly colored bow. Fellow WRTT members and volunteers add not only pinecones, but sprays, ornaments, and holiday flourishes.

This separates the WRTT swags from large store offerings, something Kamba is proud of.

“I think buying a one-of-a-kind item is something our followers look forward to and appreciate,” Kamba said.

The first swag sale took place seven years ago.

“As a non-profit, we always seek out new ideas for raising funds,” WRTT President Margie Brown said.

During a meeting, Kamba offered her expertise as a florist to make Christmas swags. Brown and the Troupe support her efforts, helping to decorate after Kamba has the balsam with white pine accents tightly bound.

Kamba also assists the Troupe by working on sets for theatre productions.

The Troupe will perform the radio production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 10, 11, 12 with a matinee at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. The performance takes place at Real Opportunities Art Gallery and Theatre in downtown New London. Call Judy at 920-982-6060 for reservations.

“I just enjoy the theatre shows so much, and this is something I can do to give back to the Troupe,” Kamba said. “Getting these swags out prior to Thanksgiving allows people to enjoy their outside decoration during all the get-togethers.”