The tree was transported to Park Square on Tuesday morning.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Standing about 33 feet tall and weighing 1,400 to 1,500 pounds, the city's Christmas tree was placed in Park Square on Tuesday morning.

 

City workers started bright and early cutting and hauling the tree from an anonymous donor in the city to Park Square.

 

The tree will be decorated on Tuesday night to prepare for next Friday's tree lighting ceremony.

 

"It is an anonymous donor this year and they've elected to have a veteran light it," said Recreation Activities Coordinator Rebecca Manship.

 

This is the second time in four years the donor has been anonymous. In 2012, an anonymous donor asked the same thing and Air Force Medic Carmen Provenzano — who had just returned from Afghanistan — was chosen to light it.

 

Last year, Bruce Ryan donated the tree in honor of his mother and his grandson lit the tree.

 

Manship said the city's Veterans Services will find a veteran to light this year's tree.

 

Annually, the city seeks out a tree to be the city's official one but it is getting more and more difficult. The city pushed back the deadline this year when it had difficulty finding a tree inside city limits suitable. 

 

Nonetheless, a donor did come forward so the annual tree lighting is planned for Friday, Dec. 5. The lighting will start a 6 p.m. and will feature the Taconic High School chorus and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free hot chocolate will be available courtesy of Patrick's Pub and the Christian Center's food pantry will be accepting non-perishable food items.

 

"The tree lighting is a Pittsfield holiday tradition. I encourage those attending to bring food items for the Christian Center’s pantry. The holiday season is an important time for us all to give to those in need," Mayor Daniel Bianchi said in a statement announcing the tree lighting.