The Journey of Sir Douglas Fir is a special project brought to you by the Wausau Symphony and Band. A performance piece written by Ric Reitz based of the story by Bill Barnes, The Journey of Sir Douglas Fir is the story of a 350-year-old fir tree (named Douglas) and all his friends at Shawnigan Lake. Douglas yearns for a change, but encounters more than he expected when he is felled in tremendous storm. Through the help and courage of his friends, Douglas embarks on an adventure to find his destiny—the World’s Tallest Wooden Flagpole.

Based on an actual event! On August 18, 1977, the World’s Tallest Wooden Flagpole was dedicated in a most honorable ceremony, and was christened with the world’s largest Canadian Flag as thousands of people stood gazing toward the sky, their hearts filled with pride.  The flagpole was presented to the Canadian National Exhibition Association in Toronto by Travel South, USA and its member states as an expression of appreciation for the visitation of all Canadians to their region and for friendships that have evolved over the years.  The American representative at the dedication was Bill Barnes of Atlanta, Georgia.  At the time this story was made into a book (2000), though no longer the World’s Tallest Wooden Flagpole, Sir Douglas was still standing in Toronto.

Sir Fir is a reader’s musical, that is, a staged musical. Our lead actors will be at the front of the stage presenting the story—along with silly sound–effects—while our combined Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Community Chorus will fill up the stage behind them. We are also making room on stage for our local students to join us, as we will have choirs from D.C. Everest Jr. High and Horace Mann and John Muir Middle Schools joining us in this true “Community Celebration!”  These choir students will also have a lunch-and-learn session with the author, Ric Reitz.

Performances of Sir Fir will be April 28th and 29th, 2006. There will be two special performances on Friday, April 28th, at 10 am and 1 pm, specifically geared for school children. Seats are $4 each, and must be reserved and paid for by March 27th, 2006 to guarantee availability. We will also be performing Sir Fir as a part of the Wausau Symphony and Band’s Saturday, April 29th “Celebrate with the Folks” concert. This performance will also feature a visit from the author, Ric Reitz! Children who attended the Friday’s performance can get in free Saturday night!