Let The Holidays Begin! Detroit Welcomes Campus Martius Christmas Tree [VIDEO]
By Edward Cardenas
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Preparations for the upcoming holiday season in Detroit kicked off Wednesday with the delivery of the city's Christmas tree, a 60-foot-tall Michigan grown Norway Spruce, to Campus Martius Pakr.
The tree, which was from Cadillac in the northern Lower Peninsula, was delivered to the Campus Martius and raised off a flatbed truck and raised into place on top of the Park Fountain by a large crane.
"It's a great time in downtown Detroit. The holiday season is kicking off soon," said Robert Gregory, president, Detroit 300 Conservancy.
Crews will now begin the process of decorating the tree with more than 19,000 LED light, along with red and silver ornaments, in preparation for the 11th annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21. The decorated tree is a gift from the DTE Energy Foundation.
"DTE Energy Foundation is proud to continue its gift giving tradition by presenting the spectacular 60-foot Christmas Tree to the City of Detroit and the wonderful evening of entertainment and fun for the whole community," said Faye Alexander Nelson, vice president of public affairs and president of the DTE Energy Foundation, in a release. "The DTE Energy Foundation has a great history of giving back to the City and the community and the Tree Lighting Ceremony is a nigh that creates lasting memories for all Detroiters young and old.
The tree will be lit at the ceremony following an entertainment program which includes performances by American Idol competitor Jena Irene, Olympic Gold medalist skater Ekaterian (Katia) Gordeeva and Detroit's Second Ebenezer Mass Choir.
Following the ceremony, the skating rink at Campus Martius Park will open for the season.
