New, taller Christmas tree to decorate Olde Towne

By Randy Bell    

A giant Christmas tree will help Clintonians welcome in the holidays this year, and it’s being bought with money from an anonymous donor.  The City is spending that $21,540 to purchase the 27-foot cone-shaped tree from an Alabama company, Jubilee Décor.   It will be topped with a four-foot starburst decoration, which the City will pay for, increasing the tree’s height to 31 feet.

It’s called a “panel tree.”  The company’s website says those trees “are constructed with a steel internal frame and attachable curved panels covered in outdoor-rated artificial greenery.”

Clinton’s Chief of Staff Breana Norton says, “We hope to use it for many years.”

In the past, the City has placed a smaller, real tree in front of City Hall.  The new one will be located at the police department at the corner of Monroe and Leake streets. 

“It’ll be about twelve feet taller than what we’ve ever had,” says Norton, “and it’ll really amp up Christmas in Clinton.” 

The tree will come pre-lit with ornaments already attached.  It is manufactured by the same company which produced the wreaths which decorate the Clinton Parkway each Christmas.

A panel tree like this has been on the City’s wish list for some time now, but the cost was prohibitive.  Now, though, the generous gift has made it possible.

“We are very fortunate to have a donor who is excited to bring something to Clinton for the holidays,” Norton says.  “They were very kind.”

She says the City will have options on how the tree is decorated. 

“We can customize the ornaments.  We can also customize the lights to be cool white, warm white or whatever.  The Holiday Committee will vote on that.”