The Toledo Christmas Tree Rises Amidst Storm and Sunshine

By The Toledo Tribune

The holiday season has officially commenced in Toledo, heralded by the proud raising of our Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. This year’s evergreen ambassador, a stately 20-foot fir, was generously donated by Weyerhaeuser Timber—a gift from the forest to the heart of our town.

The journey to find the tree was nothing short of epic. Bob Sturdevant and Jason Leitterman, intrepid employees of Table Mountain Forestry, ventured into the mist and bluster of the Oregon wilderness, driven by a shared sense of purpose and a sharp eye for perfection. Through wind-swept valleys and rain-dappled slopes, they searched, until at last, they found it: a noble fir standing tall and unyielding, as if it had waited its whole life for this moment.

But a tree’s worth must be measured not just by its size but by its spirit, and so Cortney Smith, accompanied by her team of knee-high junior Christmas tree evaluators, arrived to make the final call. With youthful enthusiasm and keen scrutiny, they gave their squeals of approval, declaring this fir worthy of Toledo’s yuletide tradition.

On the day of the raising, a small but spirited army assembled. Bob, Jason, and Cortney were joined by members of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce, who moved with the energy and precision of Santa’s workshop. Under a sky that alternated between stormy gusts and fleeting rainbows, they worked in unison. With a mighty heave-ho, the tree was hoisted skyward and secured into its place of honor.

For a moment, the wind howled and raindrops splattered like holiday confetti. Then, as if the heavens themselves approved of the effort, the sun broke through, casting a golden light upon Toledo’s newest symbol of joy and giving.

Yet, the work is far from over. As the team stood admiring their efforts, it was unanimously agreed to postpone decorating until the storm had expended its fury. Even the most cheerful elf knows that tinsel and gusty winds make poor companions.

Now, our tree stands ready, a beacon of the season and a reminder of the resilience, warmth, and cheer of this spirited town. Soon it will shine with lights and sparkle, but for now, it holds a quiet dignity—waiting, like the rest of us, for the festivities to begin.

So let the season commence, Toledo. The tree is up, and with it, our hearts lift a little higher.