As local residents look ahead towards the Christmas holiday, a new decoration in Slippery Rock is helping everyone to get in the spirit.
A 35-foot artificial Christmas tree is the centerpiece for an event called The Festival of Trees in Slippery Rock’s Memorial Park.
While this year’s inaugural event will consist only of a one-time lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, the hope is that the Festival of Trees will grow into a recurring event at the park on weekends during each holiday season.
Due to safety precautions with the COVID-19 pandemic, the public is invited to view this year’s lighting by live stream on the festival’s Facebook or Instagram pages. This ceremony will include remarks from Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo.
The tree was donated to the Slippery Rock Development organization by Slippery Rock University faculty member Mary Jo Ross who acquired the tree while in a previous position in Orlando, Florida. The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau provided financial assistance.