Annual Holiday Tree Arrives at Monument Square
The arrival of a 50′ Colorado Blue Spruce at Monument Square this morning ushered in the start of the holiday season in Portland for this year. The tree was donated anonymously by a family on Brentwood Street, Portland.
“The tree came from the Deering section,” said Jeff Tarling, Portland’s Arborist. “We were slow getting off Brentwood Street because of the overhead wires and it’s a narrow street. But the rest of the trip went well,” he said this morning. The city was able to confirm this tree could be used only two days ago.
Two other trees were picked prior to this one but for different reasons did not work out. With the first tree it was never certain the family really wanted to donate it and with the second tree, it was in an inaccessible location. So, two days ago Tarling called the family on Brentwood Street to see if they would be interested in donating this tree. Fortunately, the familys said yes. In previous years, Tarling had discussed the possibility with this family. “It can be very difficult to put up a tree of this size. It’s not always a given,” said Tarling. Normally, the city likes to have a tree confirmed by Veterans’ Day.
City employee Jay Ash-Cuthbert said: “Today is one of those days when you can break away from the monotomy of the everyday job. It makes me feel like part of the community.” He lives in Windham.
Decorating the tree will begin tomorrow and be ready for the annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 26th at 5:30 pm. The festive event is produced by Portland’s downtown District.