Auburn selects Christmas tree

Roger Begin of Cote Crane & Rigging lowers the Auburn Christmas tree onto a trailer at the home of Catrina Bonney on Alderwood Road in Auburn on Monday. Auburn Public Works arborist Noel Skelton cut the top half of a 60-foot fir before the tree received a police and fire department escort to Festival Plaza. Liz Allen of the city of Auburn said that Bonney’s tree was one of several the city arborist looked at. Bonney said the recent storm that knocked out power to many Maine households sealed the fate of this year’s Christmas tree. “Seeing that big tree leaning over the house in that wind confirmed that we were doing the right thing,” Bonney said. “It will bring many more people joy as Auburn’s Christmas tree than having it here in my backyard,” she said. The tree will be lit Saturday, Nov. 25, during the Twin Cities Holiday Celebration. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)

Auburn city arborist Noel Skelton is raised by Cote Crane operator Roger Begin before cutting the 60-foot fir about halfway up the tree. Liz Allen of the city of Auburn said using the entire tree would be too big for Festival Plaza. Cote Crane & Rigging helps each year with the city Christmas tree at no charge, Allen said. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)

Tree owner Catrina Bonney, right, talks with Liz Allen of the city of Auburn while Public Works employees cut down Auburn’s Christmas tree from Bonney’s backyard Monday. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)