Utilities save Tannenbaum

SYRACUSE – Gale force winds brushed and shook the traditional Christmas Tree in downtown Syracuse Wednesday, but some help from the Syracuse Utilities made sure the community can continue to sing,  'how lovely are its branches.'

Kerby Berner of KB Clips at Fifth Street Center said the tree is an important part of the community’s Christmas.

 

 

Berner: “I have lived in this town my whole life and I’ve never not seen that tree down there, so it’s really cool that they put a truck down there to help keep it stay put so the wind doesn’t take it down and take our Christmas with it.”

Since 1991, the tree is erected by the city and decorated by elementary kids. Tannenbaum is German for Christmas tree and the tree lighting is a regular highlight of the city's Tannenbaum Festival.

Berner: “I would say the utilities definitely saved Christmas by saving our Christmas tree.”

The December storm uprooted large trees in Syracuse and carried a grain bin a quarter of a mile away, but the holiday spirit at Syracuse stayed put.

Patty Buchholz of News Channel Nebraska reports that the 28-foot tall tree was donated by Mike Weyers of Syracuse.

Tannenbaum Festival 2021