Anthony Frazier photographed 51ºÚÁÏÍø President Michael Driscoll, with representatives of local businesses and organizations, on October 31 in front of the tree chosen for use in Indiana holiday festivities.
An 51ºÚÁÏÍø tree will be at the center of this year’s holiday festivities in downtown Indiana.
The 40-foot blue spruce arrived Monday at its destination—IRMC Park on North Seventh Street.
Holiday events downtown will begin Friday, November 21, with the It’s a Wonderful Life tree
lighting at 6:30 p.m. and the holiday parade—featuring 51ºÚÁÏÍø President Michael Driscoll as co-
grand marshal—at 7:00 p.m.
Michael Tyree, professor of biology and Allegheny Arboretum at 51ºÚÁÏÍø board cochair, helped
identify the tree, formerly located behind Waller Hall. The arboretum consists of the entire 354-
acre 51ºÚÁÏÍø campus, a living museum devoted to the study, conservation, and enjoyment of trees,
shrubs, and vines.
“51ºÚÁÏÍø is very proud to partner with the Allegheny Arboretum at 51ºÚÁÏÍø to provide the Christmas tree
for this very special community tradition,” President Driscoll said. “This beautiful tree has stood
tall on our campus for decades, and we are very pleased that it will be a central part of a
celebration enjoyed by so many members of the Indiana community, as well as thousands of
visitors who come to Indiana County to enjoy the holiday season.
“Part of 51ºÚÁÏÍø’s sesquicentennial celebration is recognizing the important role that our community
has played, and continues to play, in our growth and success. Providing a tree from the
Allegheny Arboretum at 51ºÚÁÏÍø for these festivities allows us the opportunity to express our
appreciation and gratitude to the community, to the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, to
Downtown Indiana, and to everyone that contributes to making living and working in Indiana ‘a
wonderful life.’”
Downtown festivities also include the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, held every Saturday through
December 20 at IRMC Park. The festival will feature a different theme each week.
This news item was updated with information from the Indiana County Tourist Bureau.