Sapulpa will get a 26-foot Christmas tree in downtown

Two community groups in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, are partnering to bring a 26-foot-tall Christmas tree that will be placed at the Creek County Courthouse along Route 66.

The tree replaces an unofficial community Christmas tree that stood at Mission Street and Dewey Avenue (both on Route 66) in front of a firehouse. The pine tree withered and was removed after the site was converted into a Sonic restaurant.

The new tree, which will include a customized Route 66 topper, will be ceremonially lighted on the evening of Nov. 24.

The Sapulpa Times reports:

Suzanne Shirey and Cindy Lawrence, with The Sapulpa Chamber Foundation and Sapulpa Main Street, respectively, are partnering to raise money to purchase a 26-foot pre-lit Christmas tree to adorn the courthouse lawn. 
In Shirey and Lawrence’s press release they say, “We feel this was the year to bring hope to our picturesque town, and fulfill a wish that has been a spoken dream for several years.” 
They sourced an Adirondack Pine Christmas tree with multi-colored lights that can weather Oklahoma winter’s rain, sleet, and wind, and made sure that the courthouse has the room to store it during off-holiday months. District 1 Creek County Commissioner Newt Stephens confirmed at a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting that he did, in fact, have room for the tree, or that at the very least, he would make room. 

The news release also inferred the COVID-19 pandemic was a major impetus for the tree:

“This unprecedented time of illness and uncertainty has brought anxiety and loss to many. Now, more than ever, Sapulpa needs a Christmas filled with warmth, light, community, and friendship. We need hope.”  

Those who wish to donate to the effort should call the Sapulpa Chamber at (918) 224-0170. All donations would be federally tax-deductible. Both organizations hope to receive all donations by Dec. 31.

(Image of a community Christmas tree in Baker City, Oregon, by Baker County Tourism via Flickr)