By Cris Alarcon, Reporting InEDC
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA – As the calendar turns toward the holiday season, the spotlight falls on the iconic and awe-inspiring Christmas tree at Heavenly Village, South Lake Tahoe. The annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony is set to dazzle attendees on Friday, November 24th, at 6:30 p.m. It’s a tradition that radiates joy, hope, and tradition, rivaling the world-famous Rockefeller Tree in Times Square.
Standing tall at 65 feet, this magnificent Christmas tree takes center stage in Heavenly Village, marking the official commencement of the holiday season. As its radiant lights come to life, so does the holiday spirit.
This incredible journey of bringing the grand tree to South Lake Tahoe is a testament to community effort and generosity, spearheaded by Gary Casteel Jr, President/CEO for the Shops at Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe, and executed by dedicated individuals like Dreu Murin and Kenny “Lake Tahoe Skibum” Curtzwiler from K&K Services.
The quest for the perfect tree begins months in advance, with Murin and Curtzwiler scouring the bi-state area for candidates that meet stringent criteria. The chosen tree must be between 50-75 feet, exceptionally full, and utterly beautiful. They often find potential trees on private properties, where homeowners generously offer their cherished evergreens for the cause.
Once a suitable tree is found, the owners are extended a heartfelt invitation to donate their tree to the Heavenly Village, a tradition greatly appreciated by all involved. This year’s generous contribution comes from the City Of South Lake Tahoe.
The tree’s safe removal and transportation is an intricate process. Curtzwiler, an arborist expert, ensures that the tree is carefully cut to minimize its impact. Ed Cook Crane Service deploys a specialized crane to lift and secure the tree onto a flatbed truck from F&B Construction, making the journey possible.
The tree’s arrival at Heavenly Village is a grand occasion, escorted by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Locals eagerly watch along the route, excited to witness the spectacle.
Upon reaching its destination, the tree undergoes meticulous preparation, including branch trimming and placement on a custom-built platform for stability. Thousands of LED lights adorn the tree, and the iconic Tahoe star is placed on top, thanks to Alfanso and the Sun West Building Services team, the engineering company for the Heavenly Village.
The grand illumination of the Heavenly Village Christmas Tree is an event that captures hearts and minds. A countdown leads to the tree’s enchanting illumination, brought to life by ladder truck #12 from the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department. The tree remains lit daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., shining 24 hours on Christmas Day, sharing its magic with visitors and viewers worldwide.
Sustainability is a central concern in this process. The tree, once its holiday duties are complete, is recycled into firewood by Curtzwiler, providing much-needed warmth to homes during Tahoe’s winters. This ensures that the tree’s legacy continues to bring joy and hope to others.
“The Heavenly Village Christmas Tree is more than a stunning display; it’s a symbol of unity, tradition, and the holiday spirit. Its journey from source to splendor is a testament to the goodwill and generosity of individuals and communities coming together to create something truly special,” Murin stated.
This year’s Heavenly Village Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will be streamed live on the Visit Heavenly Village social channels, allowing anyone, no matter where they are, to join in the celebration.
In the spirit of the holiday season, the owners and representatives of Heavenly Village express their deepest gratitude to Kenny Curtzwiler and his team. They acknowledge that individuals like him are the true bearers of the holiday magic, making the season even more special, and they are profoundly thankful for his unwavering commitment to spreading happiness and holiday enchantment.
The Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony at Heavenly Village is not merely an event; it’s a radiant testament to the power of community, shared joy, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season. It’s the time of year when we all come together to celebrate and embrace the magic of the holidays.
