"SEARCHING FOR OUR COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE!"
Earlier this week Franklin put out its annual call for what has become one of the major highlights of their event holiday season - a large Christmas tree displayed in front of the courthouse.
"The City of Franklin is once again searching for a Community-County tree – a well-proportioned 35 to 40 foot tree to be placed on the sidewalk leading to the Venango County Courthouse," the city posted on its Events and Marketing Facebook page Tuesday.
Coordinator Ronnie Beith said anyone who thinks they have an evergreen that would fit the bill should message her at [email protected]. She will pass the word to Dan Weiland, AKA Mr. Christmas, who will check out all the potential trees and pick the best fit for the space.
Once found, the tree will need some decorations, and the city is looking for help in that area too.
"We are also looking for groups or individuals who are interested in assisting with the decorating of the tree and the parks," the Facebook post included.
The city purchased some new lights after many strings were damaged during last year's tree trumble. They will be placed on the tree soon after it is set in its place by volunteers. It has become a tradition for the city to turn the tree on almost immediately following the Light Up Night parade, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, November 19.
Prior to the holiday festival, help is needed to spread the Christmas cheer throughout the downtown as well.
"Due to new light poles, it is hard to tell what will be done to light up Liberty (Street) this year," Beith said. "We will be back to normal next year... We are requesting downtown businesses use lots of Christmas lights."
The city is seeking volunteers to decorate the smaller trees that will be put up in Fountain Park the days following Light Up Night.
Finding the Christmas tree and volunteer decorators is important "for the joy, pride and spirit of the community and to continue our tradition of being a beautiful Christmas destination for visitors and tourists," Beith said, adding it is one of the reasons, Franklin is "a great spot to come and shop, eat, be entertained and celebrate the holiday season."
Anyone with a tree or a desire to help decorate should contact Beith at [email protected].
"The City of Franklin is once again searching for a Community-County tree – a well-proportioned 35 to 40 foot tree to be placed on the sidewalk leading to the Venango County Courthouse," the city posted on its Events and Marketing Facebook page Tuesday.
Coordinator Ronnie Beith said anyone who thinks they have an evergreen that would fit the bill should message her at [email protected]. She will pass the word to Dan Weiland, AKA Mr. Christmas, who will check out all the potential trees and pick the best fit for the space.
Once found, the tree will need some decorations, and the city is looking for help in that area too.
"We are also looking for groups or individuals who are interested in assisting with the decorating of the tree and the parks," the Facebook post included.
The city purchased some new lights after many strings were damaged during last year's tree trumble. They will be placed on the tree soon after it is set in its place by volunteers. It has become a tradition for the city to turn the tree on almost immediately following the Light Up Night parade, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, November 19.
Prior to the holiday festival, help is needed to spread the Christmas cheer throughout the downtown as well.
"Due to new light poles, it is hard to tell what will be done to light up Liberty (Street) this year," Beith said. "We will be back to normal next year... We are requesting downtown businesses use lots of Christmas lights."
The city is seeking volunteers to decorate the smaller trees that will be put up in Fountain Park the days following Light Up Night.
Finding the Christmas tree and volunteer decorators is important "for the joy, pride and spirit of the community and to continue our tradition of being a beautiful Christmas destination for visitors and tourists," Beith said, adding it is one of the reasons, Franklin is "a great spot to come and shop, eat, be entertained and celebrate the holiday season."
Anyone with a tree or a desire to help decorate should contact Beith at [email protected].
Lesson Learned
| Last year Franklin had its largest trees since the tradition started about seven years ago. It was wonderful. It was mesmerizing. It was too much for the weather Mother Nature brought to the area. In early December 2021, the tree fell over during a wind storm when at least one of the three-foot supporting spikes came out of the ground. It was quickly removed and replaced with a smaller but adequate evergreen. |  |
This year, the Venango County Commissioners took steps to ensure that would not happen again. "We had four anchors built to support the tree," explained Commissioner Mike Dulaney. "Essentially, they are six-foot deep holes filled with concrete, rebar, and a hook on top for us to tether the tree... The rebar goes through the concrete and into the ground for added stability."
The new system should ensure the tree stays in place as much as possible. " I was told the guide wire will fail before these," Dulaney said.
The new system should ensure the tree stays in place as much as possible. " I was told the guide wire will fail before these," Dulaney said.
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