City of Providence Searching for a Perfect Tree

Arts Culture + Tourism, Parks Department put out casting call for tall evergreen to star in annual tree lighting ceremony

PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of Providence will host the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 1 at the Bank of America City Center. To complete preparations, the City needs a tree and is asking residents to nominate their own 35-foot to 45-foot spruce or fir trees that they wish to remove from their property.

Residents can nominate their tree by sending an e-mail with a description or photo of the tree to Deb Dormody, the City’s Cultural Affairs Manager in the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism at ddormody@providenceri.com.

The Department of Parks and Recreation will cut the winning tree down and haul it away free of charge. The tree will be displayed on the steps of City Hall throughout the holiday season. The winning tree owner will be photographed with Mayor Taveras in front of the tree during the lighting ceremony. Submissions must be received by Wednesday, November 14.

This year’s tree lighting ceremony will be emceed by Mayor Taveras and Michaela Johnson, host of WPRI’s The Rhode Show. The ceremony will feature performances by RPM Voices, the 18 Wheelers and the Brown University Skating Band. Skate for Joy will partner with local and regional figure skaters, as well as members of Team USA, for a figure skating demonstration.

Members of the Johnson & Wales University chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa are selling ornaments to decorate the tree to benefit Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Stanley Tree Service is donating crane service for the trees.

Later this month, the City will kick off the annual Buy Providence + Buy Art campaign to encourage support for local businesses and artists during the holiday season.