LANSNG ? The Department of Technology, Management and Budget’s search for the state of Michigan Christmas tree has ended with the selection of a 75-foot Consolor Fir from Jackson ? the largest tree in the history of state Christmas trees in Michigan.
The tree will be harvested at no cost to the owners on November 2. It was donated by Anthony and Stephanie LaPorte, who are lifelong residents of Jackson. The tree was first nominated in 2009 and recently became accessible due to the removal of other nearby trees. This is the ninth tree to be selected from the Lower Peninsula; the other 18 tress have come from the Upper Peninsula.
DTMB will bring the tree to Lansing with help from the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. The timbermen cut the tree and transport it to Lansing at no cost to the state. The DTMB crew will then work with Hi-Ball Company of Lansing, who volunteers a crane and crew to set the tree.
The lighting of the tree will take place on the evening of Friday, November 16 as part of the 28th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration. Silver Bells in the City, one of Michigan?s premiere holiday events, is highlighted by the very special Electric Light parade, which is immediately followed by the lighting of the state tree, and a spectacular fireworks display cascading over the capitol dome (weather permitting).
