The Department of Public Works for the City of Rochester worked with Urban Tree Service to move and install the city’s Christmas tree on Thursday, November 12th. The Rochester Police Department provided a special escort from Betts Road to Downtown.

“The City of Rochester’s Christmas Tree has been selected and it couldn’t be more beautiful,” said Lisa Clark, Administration & Utility Billing Supervisor City of Rochester DPW. “The tree donation comes from a Christmas Tree Farm owned and operated by Michael and Karen Torr.”

David Torr started the Christmas Tree Farm in 1985. His son Mike and his family have continued the tradition for the past several years.

The balsam fir is approximately 22 years old and 30 feet tall. “While the tree has grown too large for use in a residential home, it’s perfect for Downtown,” Clark continued.

Students from The Monarch School of New England and the YMCA of Strafford County Early Learning Center will be creating the decorations. Vocational students from The Monarch School will laminate and string them for DPW to decorate.

The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a virtual Holiday Tree Lighting on its website and social media pages. The event will feature a dance performance from Studio 109, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor McCarley, carolers, and the lighting of the downtown Christmas Tree.

“I’m so happy to see our community come together to decorate the downtown tree,” said Mayor McCarley. “I look forward to the virtual tree lighting and everything the Chamber has planned to get us into the holiday spirit.”

The Chamber’s Tree Lighting will air on December 4th. Visit www.rochesternh.org for more information.