Holiday tree lit up at GR Art Museum

The Holiday Tree was lit outside the Grand Rapids Art Museum on Nov. 30, 2012

Rosa Parks Circle now open for skating

Updated: Friday, 30 Nov 2012, 5:55 PM EST
Published : Friday, 30 Nov 2012, 5:55 PM EST

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The holiday tree has been lit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum Wege Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids.

24 Hour News 8 was there Monday morning when a semi-truck brought the 42-foot tall blue spruce to town.

The months-long process to select the tree was finalized with the winner coming from the front yard of Cadillac Industrial Supply Co. in Cadillac. Employees Jerry Tyler, Darryl Bamm and Rich Baldwin originally planted the tree at the business in 1978. Bamm and Baldwin still work there, as does Tyler's daughter, Robin Peterson, who told 24 Hour News 8 the history of the tree.

Dutchman Tree Farm in nearby Manton then bought the tree, which is now on display in Grand Rapids.

"We are all happy that so many people will be able to enjoy our tree," Peterson said.

Crews put 40,000 LED lights on the tree.

After the lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. there will be --

-- a special skating performance will help open the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle
-- free horse-drawn carriage rides from 6-8 p.m.
-- a $5 admission fee (free for GRAM members) to attend "Magic & Music - A Surreal Performance" -- 7-8:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

------

Online:

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Holiday tree lit up at GR Art Museum

Rosa Parks Circle now open for skating

Comment to 24 Hour News 8

Report a comment

Photos:Peter Frampton at Meijer Gardens

Site Tools