From an assortment of 38 trees ranging in height from 55 feet to 65 feet, three finalists have been selected to compete as the Official Christmas Tree of the City of Chicago. Beginning today through October 25, Chicagoans can vote to decide on this year's tree at www.suntimes.com/win. The winner will be announced soon after the votes are tallied.
The three finalists are (in alphabetical order):
The Jozefow Family – Northlake, Illinois: Tree: 55 foot Colorado Spruce
The Spangler Family – Western Springs, Illinois (finalist last year): Tree: 55 foot Colorado Spruce
The Trudel Family – Glenview, Illinois: Tree: 59 foot Colorado Spruce
In early September, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events began accepting tree nominations. 38 trees from Chicago, Illinois and Indiana were submitted for consideration. With the assistance of The Brickman Group, landscaping/tree professionals, three finalists were selected based on the following criteria: A Spruce or Fir tree (no pines), at least 55 feet or more, accessible to insure a safe removal and within 100 miles from Chicago's Loop.
Once the polls have closed and the votes are tallied, we will announce the winning tree and the family that donated it will get the chance to light their tree on Daley Plaza for the 98th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by UL, on Wednesday, November 23 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Following a musical program, the tree will be lit promptly at 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the winner will receive decorative LED lights courtesy of UL.
The Chicago Sun-Times in partnership with the Department Cultural Affairs and Special Events will stage the voting on their website. To view the three finalists and instructions on how to cast your vote please visit www.chicagochristmastreecontest.com or go directly to the Sun-Times website at www.suntimes.com/win. For more information on the 98th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and other events visit www.explorechicago.org/dcase or call (312) 744-3316. You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter (@ChicagoDCASE).
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) presents large scale and small high-quality FREE festivals, exhibitions, performances, parades, sport events, farmers markets and holiday celebrations in venues throughout the city each year. DCASE is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the arts in Chicago as well as supporting the people who create and sustain them.
