Christmas tree makes debut
(Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD) City workers unload a grand fir donated by Young Living Essential Oils at Jeff Jones Town Square on Thursday.
(Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD) City workers top the town Christmas tree with a lighted snowflake as they install the tree at Jeff Jones Town Square on Thursday.
(Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD) A trimmed grand fir is loaded onto a city boom truck at Sandpoint City Beach on Thursday.
SANDPOINT — A city Parks & Recreation crew tipped into place a grand fir at Jeff Jones Town Square on Thursday.
The 60-foot tree was donated by Young Living Highland Flats research farm and distillery just up the highway from Naples. Farm manager Brett Packer and Travis Thompson helped coordinate the donation of the tree, which was shortened by about 20 feet after it was delivered to City Beach for trimming.
The farm, which was started by a Challis, Idaho, resident, is a multi-billion dollar operation with offices all over the world because of the essential oils it extracts from the grand firs and blue spruces it grows in Boundary County.
Thompson, a lifelong local, donated trees last year for the town square. Young Living also donated trees to Bonner County for display at the Bonner County Administration Building and the fairgrounds.
“When we were asked to help, no hesitation, we said yes,” Thompson said. “I love this town. I love this whole area. I was born here and anything I can do to help the community, any chance I get, that’s what I’m going to do,” said as last year’s trees were being put up.
Sandpoint’s annual tree-lighting celebration is set for Friday, Nov. 29. Creations for Sandpoint hosts the annual ceremony at the town square. There will be caroling, dance performances by Studio 1, in addition to warm beverages and goodies.
There will also be a visit from Santa during the tree-lighting countdown.