Orillia's Christmas spirit returns with new spruce after last year's lighting blunder
Orillia is getting into the holiday spirit after the city's new Christmas tree, a massive blue spruce, was delivered and placed outside the Orillia Opera House on Tuesday.
Last year's unsuccessful tree lighting made headlines and even landed a spot on "The Tonight Show," where host Jimmy Fallon mocked the underwhelming 'trunk lighting,' leaving Orillia looking for a chance to make things right.
The new blue spruce was installed in the heart of downtown, catching the attention of many.
The original tree, known as 'Fred's Tree' after a local naturalist from the 1960s, was taken down this past summer after it died. In its place now stands a tree sourced from the city's Rotary Place.
City Councillor Ralph Cipolla led the effort to raise nearly $10,000 to fund the new tree.
"I think it was really important that we put the tree back up so we can celebrate Christmas with our grandchildren and our children," Cipolla said.
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The new blue spruce has already become a bit of a tourist attraction, with local business owners expecting a positive impact.
"The businesses love it because people come down, and they enjoy checking out the tree and all the activities that are going to be happening all around it," said Deron Johnston from the Orillia Business Improvement Area.
"It's been here for more than 50 years, and people have come every year to light the tree and start Christmas, so it's a good memory for people," noted Mayor Don McIsaac.
The 22-foot blue spruce is expected to stand for at least the next 30 years.
Orillia's official tree lighting ceremony is set for November 22.
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