The Kiwanis behind the big Christmas tree in Place Kléber
In 1994, two members of Kiwanis Strasbourg, André Boursin and Jean Louis Hering, came up with the idea of erecting a large fir tree on Place Kléber and creating, according to the club's motto, a place for sharing "for the children of the world".
- Christmas culture and tradition
It was an ambitious project that required a great deal of courage and determination to overcome the many technical challenges it presented.
Nevertheless, with the help of the RAGGI company, they did not hesitate to go to the Bitche forest to cut down a 32-meter-tall fir tree and transport it to Place Kléber.
It was a magnificent success, and this first large fir tree—which has since inspired many cities in France—was inaugurated by Catherine Trautmann, mayor of Strasbourg, for the 1994 Christmas market.
Kiwanis Strasbourg also had the idea of setting up a small chalet at the foot of this tree to sell mulled wine: these were the beginnings of the Village du Partage.
Twenty years after his passing, Kiwanis Strasbourg wishes to pay tribute to André Boursin and carry on his legacy by being present every year at the Village du Partage, with the original and coveted recipe for Mrs. Boursin’s first mulled wine, and at Santa’s cabin, also located on Place Kléber, where children come to have their picture taken.
