The giant, 40 foot tall Norway Spruce tree has stood in the front yard of Kathy and David Carlin's home in Coon Rapids for nearly four decades. But on Tuesday, the Carlins donated their tree to the Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation for the Coon Rapids Community Tree Lighting Festival.
The couple planted the tree back in 1986, a year after moving into their new home.
"I'm happy that we can do that and I've never been to a tree lighting thing before so I'm really looking forward to it,” Kathy said. “Makes my heart feel good."
A giant crane was used to hoist the tree onto a flatbed trailer after it was cut. A team from the Coon Rapids Public Works Department came to provide assistance. The entire operation was under the supervision of city forester, Tom Schibilla.
“Its got really nice form and a pretty big size, so that's our challenge today is to get it on our trailer safely and get it down the street and to its home for this winter," Schibilla said.
Last year, the first annual Coon Rapids Community Tree Lighting Festival drew a couple hundred people to Boulevard Plaza. The event, which will happen this year on Saturday, December 3 from 3:30-6 p.m., includes bonfires, hot cocoa, cookies, music and photos with Santa.
"Make sure that you're here at least by 5 p.m. because the tree lighting is going to happen at 5:30 p.m.," said Scott Latta with the Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation.
Donations will also be collected at the event for the Coon Rapids High School Food Shelf and Toys For Joy.
Click here for more details on the Community Tree Lighting Festival.