The Spangler Tree from Western Springs Wins City’s Tree Contest
Chicago has spoken! The 55-foot Colorado Spruce from Western Springs nominated by the Spangler Family will serve as the City’s official Holiday Tree on Daley Plaza this holiday season. This is the second year the City has held a contest encouraging residents to vote on the winning tree. Chicago’s Holiday Tree is presented by Safety Partner, UL.
The stately Colorado Spruce sits in the family’s front yard next to their home of 18 years. As a runner-up in last year’s contest, they decided to enter once again after much encouragement. “Our ‘celebritree’ status from last year brought much excitement and support from family, friends and neighbors,” said owner Klaudia Spangler.
As part of their contest submission, Mrs. Spangler wrote this about their tree: Over the years, the tree has served us well. It has been a fort for our kids when they were younger, a great source of shade and an ideal marker when directing people to our home. Now their “celebritree” will be a marker in the heart of Chicago, shining brightly for all to enjoy on Daley Plaza.
The tree will be removed by the Brickman Group on Thursday, November 3. On Friday evening November 4, it will be delivered to Daley Plaza and installed sometime after 7 pm Klaudia and Don Spangler as well as their children Aidan and Hope, will attend and take part in the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 23 beginning at 4:30 pm on Daley Plaza. Following a musical program, they will join Santa Claus, program emcees Valerie Warner of Windy City LIVE and Mike Caplan of ABC 7 Chicago to light the tree promptly at 5 pm. Additionally, the Spangler family will receive decorative LED lights courtesy of UL.
The Tree Contest began in early September and 38 trees from Chicago, northern Illinois and Indiana were submitted for consideration. With the assistance of The Brickman Group (landscaping/tree professionals) and the Chicago Sun-Times, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events selected the top three finalists.
The 98th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is Chicago’s kick-off to the holiday season! Presented by The City of Chicago and UL, the highly-anticipated event draws people of all ages to the heart of Chicago’s downtown “Loop”.
