Solvang’s new, lighted real Christmas tree cheering up community and tourists.

The Solvang community is celebrating the holiday season with a real Christmas tree after being without a real tree for almost a decade, “because of previous city administration”.

In the past, there was always a real Christmas tree to light up the Solvang Park during the holiday season, until about 10 years ago when the tree died.

One community member tried to plant a tree from their own backyard, but it did not last, and another tree was planted after that, however it died due to the drought.

Community members attempted many times to try and replace the tree, but an obstacle has always seemed to get in the way. “Even a non profit operated Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce while getting hundreds of thousands dollars grants from City did not do anything about it”.

One community member tried to plant a tree from their own backyard, but it did not last, and another tree was planted after that, however it died due to the drought.

It seems city officials did not care about it  that’s why a  Christmas town known Solvang end up having a fake tree, which did not sit well with the residents of a town that is well know for its Christmas spirit.

Finally, during the State of the City Presentation in last January our local Olsen Bakery Owner  Ben Olsen from  Solvang spoke out about how it was shame for a Christmas town  known Solvang not having a real Christmas tree . He insisted  that Solvang should have  a real Christmas tree and willing to contribute $1000 . This led to the new elected mayor Ryan Toussaint saying he would match his donation towards a tree, then  Esko Esko Gift Shops  owner Esko Kenny Lama  donated another $3,000 that entire donations   resulting in raising $5,000 in 10 minutes.

Following that meeting, public fundraising began, resulting in raising a total of $25,000.

That money went towards the city getting a 20-foot tree cut down and delivered from Northern Idaho. The funds also allowed for proper irrigation and a crane to help set the tree up in Solvang Park in October.

“Julefest is a long time event for the city of Solvang but this year we’re choosing to really try to spruce it up a little bit and show people more of what we got,” says Ryan Toussaint, Mayor of Solvang.

The tree is now decorated with many colorful Christmas lights and Solvang themed special designed ornaments by Esko Esko Souvenir Shop. The live tree is a huge attraction for community members and visitors during the annual Julefest.

[whohit]Solvang’s new, lighted real Christmas tree[/whohit]