Convoy of Trees Escorted Into Cobourg for Christmas Magic
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
The spirit of Christmas came to Cobourg on Monday, November 22, 2021 as three large spruce trees rolled into town with a police escort.
The trees were donated by a household on Nawutin Drive south of Grafton.
Northumberland Crane and Tree Services Inc. and Ironwood Tree and Landscape donated their time for the removal of the three trees and bringing them into Cobourg.
Workers arrived before 9 a.m. on Monday at the residence along the lakeshore and quickly got to work removing the branches from the bottom of the tree.
Once things were set in place, the trees were cut and then lifted over hydro wires and placed on trailers and a dumptruck then the convoy was off to Rotary Harbourfront Park with a police escort leading the way.
Town of Cobourg Parks Department staff were waiting for the group of vehicles to arrive and within no-time each of the trees was back in the ground again.
Community Events Coordinator for the Town of Cobourg, Jackie Chapman Davis said every year the town is, “blessed with a donation” when arborists Ryan Loughlin and Rob Tinney contact them about someone wanting a tree removed from their property in the area.
This year it was three spruce trees approximately 10-metres in height from the property in Alnwick/Haldimand Township.
The town prepares the area by digging holes for the trees and once the tree trunks are placed in the holes, the holes are filled with cement.
After the cement dries – comes the Christmas lights.
All three trees will be decorated with pink lights for the Survivor-Thrivers Dragon Boat Team.
Members of the Survivor-Thrivers will be selling decorations at the Cobourg Farmer’s Market this Saturday with the decorations being added to the three trees in Rotary Harbourfront Park.
This year, over 200,000 Christmas lights will be in Rotary Harbourfront Park, Victoria Park (north and south), the bandshell along with Victoria Hall.
Because of the size of trees in Victoria Park it takes time for crews to place the lights on them. With the soft, wet ground it doesn’t help crews working high up in bucket trucks.
“It takes time, it takes two bucket trucks and the parks staff is working in all kinds of weather to get the lights up,” said Chapman Davis.
At the end of the winter season the three donated trees will be added to the chipping pile and will go in to our town parks and dog park.
There is no official day for the lights to be turned on for Christmas Magic, but Chapman Davis assures everyone the lights will be on before the Santa Claus parade takes place on December 4 starting at 6 p.m. at the Cobourg Library and heading east.
Chapman Davis invites anyone who wishes to participate in the parade to contact her at jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca
“If you’re a community group, church, Girl Guides, sports teams, schools, businesses, we’d love to have you.”
The theme this year is Christmas Songs – it’s all about music, fun and lights.
Chapman Davis said the Christmas spirit is coming alive in Cobourg and surrounding area.
“The more holiday things that come out – we’re doing First Night again with fireworks.”
“The staff are excited about putting up lights with the volunteers.”
“We still have to be cautious. We’re encouraging people to wear masks, physical distance as much as you can.”
“It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Town of Cobourg FIRST NIGHT
December 31 from 6-930
Skating around the outdoor rink with a DJ
Horse and wagon rides
Fireworks at 930pm
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love