South Vienna donates tree for Springfield’s Holiday in the City

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South Vienna Police Chief Patrick Sullivan said that as the chief for 18 years, he saw the small tree when it was originally planted. Now he has also watched the large tree come down.

“We’re building a garage here because we sold our property to the school over there,” Sullivan said Tuesday as the tree headed to Springfield.

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Sullivan said he contacted Springfield city officials a couple months ago and asked if they would be interested in the tree.

“It’s sad but it’s good. We’ve gotta move on, and I can’t think of any better way, and the mayor can’t think of any better way but to take it down (and give it to Holiday in the City),” Sullivan said.

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The donation from the mayor and South Vienna Police Department to Holiday in the City continues the tradition of local communities donating Christmas trees.

The South Vienna tree was cut down by C&S Tree Service and was trucked into Springfield by escort Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, it was lifted by crane and slowly moved into place by Kapp Construction.

It currently sits on City Hall Plaza at Fountain Avenue and High Street and will be covered in lights for the Grand Illumination ceremony at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Holiday in the City is taking place one week later this year than in previous years.