Chicago's Christmas tree cut down in Northlake, heading to Millennium Park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Crews cut down a 63-foot Colorado blue spruce in Northlake that will become Chicago's first official holiday tree to be placed in Millennium Park.

The 9,500-pound tree snapped and then was gently placed on a flatbed trailer bound for Millennium Park. It's the first time the holiday tree will be set up there instead of Daley Plaza.

"It's a little sad seeing as it's disappearing from the house. However, when I look at it the other way, it'll be standing in Millennium Park where thousands of people will be able to see a bright, shiny tree - rather than just a tree standing in my yard doing nothing," Lorraine Voelker, 81, said. Her tree was chosen out of 130 submissions for the Chicago tradition.

Voelker said the tree was planted 67 years ago. It's expected to arrive at Millennium Park by 9 p.m. Tuesday.

"It's the first tree that's going there and I've never been to Millennium Park. So this is going to be a big experience for me," Voelker said.

The 102nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. on November 24. Opera singer Renee Fleming will perform and ABC7's Karen Jordan and her father will emcee the event.