Community Christmas tree returns to downtown Duluth, renews holiday hope

Minnesota Power erects Community Christmas Tree in downtown Duluth(KBJR 6)

DULUTH, MN. (KBJR) -‘Tis the season to light up Duluth with holiday spirit.

On Thursday, Minnesota Power welcomed back its traditional community Christmas tree.

The tree is a nod to the beginning of the holiday and giving seasons in the Twin Ports and is considered a time-honored tradition.

The Quesenberry-Nelson family, of Hermantown, donated a massive spruce tree to Minnesota Power and ALLETE. It was trimmed down to about 45-feet.

Thursday morning, crews worked through the wind and rain to remove the tree and make the long haul to Minnesota Power’s newly renovated Lake Superior Plaza.

“Because we were doing renovations on our plaza, we weren’t able to host the community Christmas tree,” said Amy Rutledge, Minnesota Power’s Corporate Communication Manager.

The 36-year tradition was missed last year as the plaza was transformed. Now, with the work nearing completion Rutledge said there is no better way to celebrate.

“Whether it’s the symbol of the tree or whether it’s actually contributing to organizations that do so much good work in our community and help those in need,” said Rutledge.

The power company is also carrying forward a new tradition, brightening the holiday season with gifts to three Duluth non-profits.

$10,000 will be donated between CHUM, Lifehouse, and AICHO. An act of kindness Rutledge said she hopes will inspire other companies.

Rutledge said, “just really pleased to be able to contribute to these organizations that are doing such good work and helping so many people in our community.”

The tree is now standing tall for all to see but serves as much more than just a beautiful sight.

“For some may symbolize hope and optimism and really a return to normalcy when you think about all of the challenges so many of us have endured these past 20 months,” said Rutledge.

The community Christmas tree will be lit at 5 p.m. Friday, November 19, just before the Christmas City of the North Parade.

You can watch the parade in person this year on Superior Street or catch our live broadcast on-air and online at KBJR6.com