City of Grand Island

Grand Island, Neb. — The City of Grand Island is pleased to announce that this year’s Railside Christmas tree has officially arrived in downtown Grand Island.

Early Thursday morning, city crews removed a Colorado Blue Spruce from the front yard of Cindy Lowenstein at 1103 East Sunset Avenue. The tree was safely cut, prepared and transported to its new holiday home at Amur Plaza, where it will serve as the centerpiece of this year’s Railside Christmas celebration.

The coordinated effort involved the Grand Island Utilities Department, Grand Island Parks and Recreation and the Grand Island Police Department, which provided escort during transport. The tree is now in place and preparations will continue in the coming days as crews secure, decorate and ready it for the upcoming festivities.

“It’s actually pretty cool when you’re driving down the road and everybody stops and has the big ‘wow’ look in their eyes,” Parks Superintendent Barry Burrows said. “One of the past times I remember was when it was actually snowing, and we’re hauling it down Highway 30. It kind of just got you in the Christmas spirit.”

Railside Christmas is set for the evening of Friday, November 21 in downtown Grand Island.