The town Christmas Tree, what a wonderful sight. I was really happy to see that Coronation still went to the trouble of having one. So many towns don’t anymore and I think that is really sad.
I wonder how many townspeople realize that it was 50 years ago this year that Coronation put up the first Christmas Tree in the street.
That’s right, December of 1957 was the first one and it was put up by the local Fire Brigade. Here’s the story.

December 5, 1957
“The local Fire Brigade ladies are planning a Christmas celebration in which everyone can take part on Friday, December 20.
To begin with they cut down a 40 foot evergreen tree, courtesy of Hans Hansen of Brownfield and hauled it to town Sunday.
A suitable hole was dug, some water put in and the tree stands at the intersection of Royal Street and Windsor Avenue, well froze in.
On Wednesday colored lights were put on and other decorations are to be added.
A public address system for the occasion will be used and Christmas carol singing will feature the event.
Presents for children will also be provided and handed out. Coffee and doughnuts for the oldsters will also be on tap.
Bad weather is the only possible obstacle to the success of the scheme.”

What a success it was. In the January 2, 1958 paper is was reported that a crowd of 700 showed up and sang their hearts out, then the fire brigade handed out 400 toys, 400 bags of candy and 400 Jap oranges to all the children; and at the town hall 30 dozen doughnuts and 10 gallons of coffee were served to the adults.
It is not easy to put up a big tree like that, and keep it up in our Alberta winds. I sure hope the Town keeps the tradition going; and I think we should show them that we do appreciate it and show up for the carol singing.
After all, reviving a wonderful Christmas tradition is worth celebrating.

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