PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Many Americans watch the lighting of the annual Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center in New York City.
The City of Presque Isle recently spoke with the company that actually procures the tree for that very occasion. Normally, the Rockefeller tree comes from the upstate New York area. However, the company representative indicated that they would be willing to accept a tree from Presque Isle or its vicinity if the “right” tree could be found.
Kim Smith, the city’s resource development and public information officer, said, “The whole idea of this came about for two reasons. In 1959, Presque Isle provided the national tree to Washington, D.C., which was lit by President Eisenhower during the annual Pageant of Peace on the ellipse behind the White House. That tree was a 110-foot white spruce from the farm of Alice Kimball on the Parsons Road.
“In addition, I personally love to watch the Rockefeller tree event, so I thought why not ask them if they would accept a tree from here for this year’s lighting event,” Smith said.
The organizers are specifically looking for a Norway spruce. It must be 65 to 70 feet in height and well-rounded, which means probably not from the forest, where it may be crowded by other trees. An ideal location would be in a field or personal yard.
The city will come take photographs of the tree to submit for consideration.
If anyone knows where such a tree might be found, please contact Smith at (207) 760-2722, or by email at ksmith@presqueisleme.us.
