Plan C under way to hoist Christmas tree at Picton cenotaph

Onlookers admire the size and beauty of the Christmas tree donated to the Picton BIA for display at the cenotaph. – Sue Capon photos

A 36-foot Colorado Blue Spruce destined for the chipper was offered to the Picton BIA to celebrate Christmas 2021 – but its erection at the Picton cenotaph has been daunting.

“The behemoth Colorado Blue Spruce was a challenge to erect at the cenotaph. It needed a Plan B  when it proved to be too heavy for Dan Claxton Electric Ltd’s cherry-picker truck,” said Diane Talas, the BIA’s new Executive Director.

Plan B looked like a success when Power Concrete quickly arrived on scene to assist, and stood the tree upright as onlookers remarked upon its size and beauty. However, later in the day the tree was back on the ground, awaiting Plan C. The wind caught the tree and bent the stand frame which now needs to be repaired.

Talas thanks the County workers who helped get the tree to town and were assisting with putting it in place, and Claxton – who will be stringing the lights and helping to decorate it.

For safety reasons (hydro lines) just over 20 feet of the tree were transported from Elliott Maddern’s property Thursday morning. Much of the rest of it was gathered to be used in planters and displays around Main Street.

“Arlene Wright will be doing her magic with all the bows she and I cut this afternoon. We’ll also use them at Shire Hall parkette,” Talas said.

When it is finally standing for the season, Talas notes the “tremendous gift from the Maddern family will be truly spectacular. I hope it’s appreciated by all. Elliott and his family wanted it to be Picton’s gift. We honoured his request and are proud to install it on their behalf. That’s why and that’s all. A kind gift from a kind family. I can’t thank them enough. From them to us with kindness.”