Clarks' 22-Year-Old Spruce Selected as Chicago's 113th Holiday Tree

The Clarks of Campton Hills have chosen a new purpose for the Norway spruce that stood in their front yard for 22 years. The nearly 50-foot tree was selected as the 113th Christmas tree for the city of Chicago. It will serve as the centerpiece for the holiday season in Millennium Park.

Amanda Clark explained that the tree began as a small six-inch sapling. Her husband planted it in the ground in November 2004 after it was given to the family as a remembrance gift following the death of his grandfather. The sapling has since grown into a massive evergreen that dominated the front lawn.

Crews cut the tree down early Monday morning. A large crane hoisted the trunk into the air before workers loaded it onto a flatbed truck. The team wrapped and tied the tree down to secure it for the transport to the city center.

Neal Heitz, the director of event production for DCASE, reviewed 108 submissions to make the selection. He described the chosen tree as beautiful and noted that its history is endearing. The city will officially light the tree during its annual ceremony on November 20.

Clark said the family wanted to celebrate the tree's life rather than simply cutting it down. She expressed hope for good weather on the day of the ceremony. She also looked forward to seeing the crowd and the tree illuminated against the night sky.

The tree is now the 113th in the city's history. It will stand in Millennium Park for the duration of the holiday season.