Nov 5, 2009 11:08 am US/Central
New, Single Christmas Tree Coming To Daley Plaza
60-Foot Tree Coming In From Palos Heights
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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This single tree from Palos Heights is replacing the compound Christmas tree made up of 113 smaller trees that has graced Daley Plaza in past years.
CBS
The city of Chicago has branched out and is saving money by putting up a single Christmas tree in Daley Plaza, which was cut down on Thursday.
After CBS2 reported on the cost of last year's tree, the city decided this year to use a tree donated by a family in Palos Heights.
The blue spruce is no ordinary tree. It was chopped down Thursday morning from its long-time home so it could be transferred to Daley Plaza, where it will become the city's official Christmas tree.
"We felt that it could be viewed in all its glory," said Carol Weivoda who owns the tree.
Spectators caught a glimpse of all its glory as the 54-foot tree dangled high during its transport to a flatbed truck. The Weivoda family donated this tree to the city from their front yard.
"it's good because it helps the environment because they'll only use one tree this year and it saves money for Chicago," said Kelsey Weivoda, 11.
Actually, it saves a lot of money for Chicago.Last year's elaborate tree cost around $300 thousand dollars. Thanks to the Weivodas, this year the city expects to spend only about $50 thousand.
What's history of this tree?
"It's 50-60 years old," said Carol Weivoda. "When we bought the house 18 or 19 years ago, it was here."
The family says they tried to string it with lights a couple of years, but it just got too big. Now, they're glad the city will take care of lighting their tree.
"I think it's amazing they actually took it. My dad's crazy idea paid off," said Ian Weivoda, 15.
The Weivodas admit it will leave a hole in their front yard though.
"For a while, but we will sod over it. We have a lot f big trees. Is it worth it? Oh, gosh yes," said Carol.
Harlan Weivoda came up with the idea. He was actually at work when the tree was chopped down Thursday morning. The family says it means a lot to him because he used to go to Daley Plaza every year as a kid to see the big Christmas tree.
In past years going back more than half a century, the city has erected an 85-foot conical tree composed of scores of smaller trees. The tree last year was made up of 113 smaller trees.
But a report by CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reported
showed the city paid more than $300,000 for city workers to build the frame, decorate the tree, and dismantle it over the course of six weeks.
Following Zekman's report, the city decided to scrap the compound tree for a single one.
City workers will still handle the electrical work to light the tree. But in the end, the city says last year's $300,000 cost will likely be cut at least in half.
The city also has a corporate sponsor now. Underwriters Laboratories is donating $100,000. So, the total cost may be cut to about $50,000.
The tree-lighting ceremony this year is set for Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving.
CBS 2's Susan Carlson contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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