Casper, WY – The downtown plaza at David Street Station was transformed on Wednesday when a 50‑foot spruce, split into four stems near its crown, was installed as the city’s annual Christmas tree. The tree, a generous donation from Casper resident John Fanto, marks the continuation of a beloved tradition that began in 2018, the year after the venue opened.
Community roots and practical preparation
David Street Station Executive Director Whitney Asay highlighted the tree’s significance, noting that it “is one of the coolest traditions we have here at David Street Station.” She added that the community looks forward to the tree each year and that receiving a tree from a neighbor adds a special, hometown touch.
The tree’s journey began when Charles Walker, owner of local landscaping firm Rodolph Brothers, identified the spruce as a candidate for removal. Its roots had begun to infiltrate nearby sewer lines and interfere with sprinkler systems, prompting the need for extraction. Rather than discard the tree, Walker arranged for its donation, turning a potential infrastructure problem into a holiday asset.
Logistics of a multi‑stem marvel
Because the spruce splits into two stems and then four near the top, moving it required extra care. Crews lifted the tree twice, using two separate rigging slings to balance the weight of the split crown. Upon arrival at David Street Station, workers trimmed roughly six feet from the base to achieve an even cut, fitted a custom heavy‑duty stand, and hoisted the structure upright with a crane. Steel cables now anchor the tree securely to the ground.
Upcoming festivities
The lighting ceremony is set for Saturday, Nov. 28, with festivities beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will feature an outdoor holiday market, horse‑drawn carriage rides, a performance by the Casper Figure Skating Club, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The celebration will conclude with an outdoor screening of the classic film “The Grinch,” providing families a full night of seasonal entertainment.
Local officials and volunteers are encouraging residents to attend and support the event, which showcases downtown Casper’s vibrant community spirit and commitment to family‑friendly holiday traditions.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
