Christmas tree from Dover arrives on Continental Square in York for Light Up York

Paul Kuehnel, York Daily Record

At just over 30 feet, the 2023 York community Christmas tree arrived from Dover Tuesday. It will be wrapped in lights in time for the Light Up York ceremony on Dec. 1.

The Colorado Blue Spruce began its life 62 years ago in the side yard of a brick rancher on Stony Lane in Dover.

Scott and Debbie Young outside their 1960s rancher in Dover before the tree was removed.
Scott and Debbie Young outside their 1960s rancher in Dover before the tree was removed.

The current owners, Debbie and Scott Young, bought the brick house in May with plans of retirement and downsizing. “We found this house and the first thing we said, ‘That tree is too big for this house,'" Debbie said, adding that the former owner had contacted York City during a previous year and the tree was passed over.

Debbie, left, and Scott Young watch their 32-foot Colorado Blue Spruce lift off their front yard in Dover November 14, 2023. The tree was planted in 1962.
Debbie, left, and Scott Young watch their 32-foot Colorado Blue Spruce lift off their front yard in Dover November 14, 2023. The tree was planted in 1962.

The previous owner “just passed away,” Scott said adding, “we will make a shoutout for him (at Light Up York). The couple will officially light the tree that night.

The Youngs had a front row seat Thursday for the entire process. They were driven in a York City truck following their tree down Route 74 from Dover and east on Market Street onto the square.

York City Police escort the York Christmas Tree along East Market Street in York on the way to Continental Square November 14, 2023.
York City Police escort the York Christmas Tree along East Market Street in York on the way to Continental Square November 14, 2023.

After the flatbed truck swung on to the square with the tree and the spruce began its slow ascent into the air by crane, Debbie described the experience as “really special. It was pretty thrilling, really, we can’t wait to see it with the lights on.”

The Light Up York ceremony will be held on Continental Square on Friday, Dec. 1 beginning at 6 p.m with the Youngs throwing the switch.

The tree is lowered onto the square by an Eisenhart Crane, which donated services along with Kinsley Construction, which donated the services to move the tree from Dover.
The tree is lowered onto the square by an Eisenhart Crane, which donated services along with Kinsley Construction, which donated the services to move the tree from Dover.

“Light Up York is a family-focused affair with snow machines, live reindeer, visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, an avalanche of holiday inflatables, and plenty of photo opportunities. You may even see a runaway Grinch or Belsnickel as we push the footprint out from Continental Square,” as it is described in www.yorkcity.events. Check the website for updates about the event.

I have captured life through the lens since 1983, and am currently a visual journalist with the USA Today Network. You can reach me at pkuehnel@ydr.com.

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This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Christmas tree from Dover arrives on Continental Square in York, Pa.

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