Alpena Spruce Tree Makes Its Way to State Capital for Christmas
Over 200 people gathered outside of the Katto family’s house to witness something grand, the harvesting of the 33rd official state Christmas tree that will stand tall in front of the state capital in Lansing this year.
Deciding to move to Alpena in 2013 the Katto family were taken by surprise when their spruce was nominated to be the center of attention for the upcoming holiday season.
“It’s an honor for the community and us as well to be able to give a tree to the capital and be part of the Christmas celebration,” tree donor, Shelly Katto said.
This is the 2nd time Alpena has been put on the map for a Christmas tree. The last time was in the 80’s
“To know that something this majestic was right here in our own backyard is amazing, and right here in the Katto’s backyard,” State Representative, Sue Allor said.
Allor said she couldn’t wait to look out her window at the capital to see the finished decorations.
“I can’t wait to see this in front of the capital. Where my office is i’m going to have an amazing view of this,” she added.
Senator Jim Stamas said he’s excited to see what colors the new Christmas tree will have.
“I always like the red, white, and blue and maybe they will add some green,” Stamas said.
To be chosen as the lucky tree is truly a process, because spruce trees are decreasing.
“The spruce trees are dying with disease so when we go back the next year we see that they have deteriorated and they no longer qualify. So it’s an ongoing project to just keep looking for new trees to put on the list to bring to Lansing,” Christmas Tree Director, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Denny Olson said.
The light up ceremony honoring the 50-year-old tree will be held in Lansing on November 16th.
