The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Christmas may be two months away, but Dianne O'Brien is already in the holiday spirit _ and for good reason. The Main Street Business Builders Committee, which she chairs, will soon light up its towering new artificial Christmas tree. 'It's a real good opportunity for Main Street to do something that kind of creates great feeling for the whole community, and it doesn't cost anything to enjoy it,' says O'Brien. With a price tag of just over $27,000, the tree _ standing 28 feet tall when topped with its four-foot star _ recently arrived in Flin Flon. City Hall has agreed not only to store the tree, but also to erect it at Pioneer Square each holiday season. The public is invited to the inaugural lighting ceremony on Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. 'This will just be a kickoff to Christmas...and (a chance to) get everyone in the Christmas spirit,' O'Brien says. The tree features built-in lights, and O'Brien hopes in time that ornaments can be added. The tree is guaranteed to last for 20 years, but O'Brien expects a lengthier lifespan. 'Generally it should last us a heck of a long time,' she says. O'Brien's committee secured grants and donations to purchase the tree. City council stepped in to help by awarding the committee an interest-free loan so the the purchase deadline could be met. The artificial pine will replace the natural tree that crews have long erected in front of City Hall. 'In the end this is actually a cost-saving measure for the city,' says O'Brien. O'Brien says those who contributed toward the tree will be honoured in some visible way, possibly on a plaque or on tree ornaments. The committee has virtually the entire tab of the tree covered but must still come up with less than $1,000.
