GENESEO, Illinois – With a plot ripe for a summer Hallmark movie, Geneseo will be sending off its long faithful living, but ailing, Christmas tree from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 1, with a “Last Lighting” celebration before it is replaced for the next holiday season.
“Geneseoans and area Christmas enthusiasts are invited to join us at ‘The Last Lighting’ as we light Geneseo’s City Christmas Tree one final time,” according to a city news release. “We will be closing off the street at the tree and taking photos with the tree, enjoy Christmas music, holiday treats and luminaires. Of course, Santa will be on hand to help us light the tree one more time.”
The tree’s health has been in decline for years. An independent arborist has advised it be taken down for safety reasons. The city made the decision to remove the tree this summer and invest in an outdoor artificial tree to become the focal point of future holiday celebrations.
The evening will feature Christmas music, a food truck, luminaries set up around the tree, and Double Treble performing Christmas carols using handbells.
“The City Christmas Tree deserves a proper send-off and we are going to give it the kind of sendoff that only Geneseo can deliver. Join us for an evening of summer holiday fun and remembrance and bring the family for one final photo with the tree. It will be a wonderful evening in Geneseo,” according to information from the city.
