Visitors to Stettler’s downtown core will be able to appreciate the Christmas spirit that bit more after a tall, dark-green Christmas tree was erected at the intersection of Main Street and 49 Avenue.
The annual tradition, which has been going on for at least 20 years, sees a giant, donated tree be raised up at the intersection. It is decorated with lights, a star, and ornaments before a special lighting ceremony is scheduled for this Friday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
“Residents donate the tree every year,” Melissa Robbins, director of operational services with the town, said. “This year, the tree was donated by Tom and Brenda McNally.”
The tree is cut down by town staff at the property and erected at the same intersection every year.
“Heartland Industries donates the crane and crew to take down and put up the tree every year,” Robbins said.
The intersection changes to a no-left-turn intersection while the tree is up, since the tree obscures the view of oncoming traffic to a certain extent, and requires straight-through traffic to curve out a bit to get past the giant conifer.
The tree-lighting ceremony kicks off the annual downtown business event Moonlight Madness, where stores stay open late to give residents a chance at some special deals.