Each day, thousands of cars drive by the State Capitol at the intersection of East Michigan Avenue and Washington Square. Now those drivers will be turning a double take. A new display in the center of the intersection’s roundabout features Bronner’s giant fiberglass ornaments painted to resemble jack-o-lanterns. In fact, you can watch a time-lapse video of the installation by WLNS.
The Making of Bronner’s Giant Jack-o-lanterns
Precision Concepts in Caro, Michigan, manufactured the fiberglass giants, 6 feet in diameter, for Bronner’s. Then Jason Jackson, Bronner’s airbrush artist, transformed the orbs into smiling jack-o-lanterns for the capitol display. Finally, they were installed September 10.
Since 2009, the capitol roundabout has been home to red ornaments trimmed with white snowflakes for the Christmas/winter season. Those fiberglass giants also came from Bronner’s and will replace Bronner’s giant jack-o-lanterns at the state capitol in early November.
Bronner’s Commercial Department Makes Memories of Mammoth Proportions
Bronner’s commercial department has been selling large-scale decorations for several decades. Specifically, their clientele includes cities, businesses, attractions, parks, malls, movie production companies and more. In addition to the giant fiberglass ornaments, Bronner’s guests find the 17-ft. Santa and 15-ft. snowman their favorites.
Bronner’s late originator Wally Bronner created Bronner’s exclusive fiberglass Nativity with a one-piece Baby Jesus in the manger. This was to keep pranksters from stealing the Baby Jesus out of the manger. What’s more, Bronner’s has shipped its exclusive Nativity to five continents!
Bronner’s commercial department offers a variety of large-scale decorations in several categories:
- outdoor commercial decorations (arches, flags, Nativities, trees, banners, float materials, ornaments, garlands, wreaths, bows, pole decorations, building fronts, ground displays, fiberglass figures, rooftops, lighting, skylines and signs)
- indoor commercial decorations (bows, spring/Easter, fencing, garland, lights, Nativities, ornaments, overhead/light bars, props, Santa suits and accessories, Santa chairs, snow, trees and wreaths)
- custom design
- refurbishing
From Early Christmas Panels to So Much More!
In 1951, Wallace (Wally) Bronner was designing window displays for the Jennison Hardware Company in Bay City, Michigan. While completing the display, Bronner met several merchants from Clare, Michigan, searching for Christmas decorations for their city lampposts. To meet their needs, Wally and his first full-time staff member Eddie Beyerlein, designed and produced Christmas panels. That marked the beginning of selling Christmas decorations to communities, shopping centers and stores.
In 1954, Wally and his wife Irene constructed their first permanent building. The store featured decorations for cities and shopping centers as well as gifts and trims for the home. As the business continued to grow, retail space expanded into two additional kitty-corner locations. Finally, Wally and Irene consolidated their growing business into one location at the south end of Frankenmuth. The new address was appropriately designated as 25 Christmas Lane.
Today, the experienced display consultants at Bronner’s Christmas Decorations continue the tradition begun by Wally Bronner. Above all, they are committed to providing quality products and exceptional, personal service to our valued customers.
Read how Bronner’s commercial department supplied product for several Hollywood movie sets!
