CLAREMORE--The City of Claremore made way for a special evergreen on Thursday.
The 50 ft. Norway Spruce came from the Dutchman Tree Farm in Manton, Michigan and made its way to West Bend Winterland.
Claremore Expo & Tourism Development Tanya Andrews says that transporting the holiday tree didn't come without planning.
"Our great partner, Pelco Structural, departed Sunday morning with a semi and flat-bed trailer to pick up the tree and bring it home," Andrews said.
The evergreen was escorted by GRDA Police on I-44 and Claremore Police Department as it made its way to the West Bend Green on the grounds of the Claremore Expo Center.
West Bend Winterland will be a time of community celebration for families and visitors alike. The event will launch with an official “Lighting of the Tree” on December 4 at 6pm, music provided by Sam Mackens and the TU Wind Quintet, hot coco, popcorn and the introduction of Claremore’s new ice rink.
That evening the public is welcome to celebrate the lighting of the tree, have some hot chocolate and help kick off the “Share The Spirit Food Drive."
Visitors are urged to get in the holiday spirit by bringing non-perishable food items for holiday baskets or make a monetary donation. Volunteers with the Share the Spirit campaign will be on hand to accept donations.
City crews have been preparing the site for the tree as well as the skating rink. “in order to make sure the tree had a sufficient water source with nearby power for lighting, an eight-foot man hole was placed at the site. The man hole will have dirt fill and once the tree is in place, water will be added on a regular basis,” said Larry Hughes, director of Electric and Utilities.
The lighting ceremony is made possible by the City of Claremore, Pelco Structural, GRDA, Rogers County Coalition, Ira Green Construction, and RCB Bank. A complete schedule of events, including public skate sessions, can be found at www.westbendwinterland.com or call the Claremore Expo at 918-342-5357.
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