City’s holiday tree makes its move

LEWISTON – Workers plan to haul a 40-foot blue spruce through the downtown Tuesday in preparations for the holidays.

The tree, donated by Leo and Lillian Ayotte of Lewiston, will be erected in Courthouse Plaza on Lisbon Street.

There, it will be the focal point of the city’s holiday celebration, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Cote Crane and Rigging of Auburn is donating its labor and equipment for the move, which will begin at the Ayotte’s home on Orestis Way. From there, the tree will be taken along Central Avenue, down to Sabattus Street, to Main Street, then onto Lisbon Street to the plaza.

As assisted by city crews, the movers are not expected to surpass 10 miles per hour.

The tree will be illuminated during the Dec. 8 celebration, which is also scheduled to include characters from the Portland Ballet Co.’s “Nutcracker” production and Santa Claus.