by Karina Hunter

Pictured is Township of Manitouwadge Public Works Department employee Jody Haché adding the last string of lights to the 30+ foot Christmas tree installed in the community’s traffic circle at the centre of town. Public Works Superintendent Omer Collins said there were more than eighteen of the twenty-seven foot strings of lights on the tree which was yet to be topped with a star. That’s more than 120 feet of lights! Though initially there were some difficulties with the tree’s power supply, by Saturday night these had been taken care of and the tree was  successfully illuminated.  The star, usually stored along with the strings of lights had yet to be located but Collins reassured residents that if it was not found, they would find a solution “I may need to get crafty and make a star myself” said Collins adding “We’ll make it work”. 

Plans for next year include a second tree for the downtown core to be put up in the vacant lot next to the post office, “We continue to improve on our decorations every year” said Collins. Since the township’s tree went up Friday residents seem to have been inspired the number of private residences with outdoor decorations has visibly increased.

Submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal, 12.07.09