Grassroots effort brings community Christmas tree to Marine City

Unique project to include annual display of children’s art

By Barb Pert Templeton

Nothing says small town holiday celebration better than a giant public Christmas tree lighting ceremony. As community members and local dignitaries gather to embrace the season add some carolers for a singalong and some hot chocolate and it’s a scene right out of a festive movie.

Seeing a return of the community tree is something Marine City residents have wanted for quite some time but being able to afford one definitely posed a challenge, according to Merchant.

“We knew what it would cost to have a tree and it was always something astronomical and something we knew we couldn’t afford,” Marine City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Laura Merchant said, while addressing the Marine City Commission at it’s Nov. 21 meeting.

So, organizers decided to apply for a grant through the St. Clair Community Foundation after combining art and community to make their pitch. What makes the tree special is that it will have an Octagonal Art Base showcasing artwork from Marine City’s elementary, middle, and high school students. The six panels will display winning pieces from an annual contest.

Last week the foundation rejected their request for a grant but a representative from Eastern Michigan Bank, that was at the vetting for the grants, was very disappointed because he thought it was an amazing project.

“The next day I received a phone call that they wanted us to go through with doing the project and they would give us $2,500,” Merchant said. “The day after that we were also approached by Real Estate One Westrick and Win gave us another $1,000.”

After that, Merchant said the group was so passionate about bringing the tree back and working with the community and the kids they were ready to throw in whatever money they could to get it started.

Next up, someone suggested launching a Go Fund Me to raise more dollars for the project. Merchant said it was her first experience using the site so she put lots of details into the description related to the project. She spoke to architects, tree companies and mechanical fabricators to plan the project and wanted to in turn provide as much information as possible to the Go Fund Me donors.

Merchant told the commission the total cost of the project was going to be $7,500.

“As of right now we need $1,100, our Go Fund Me is up to $2595, we have the $3,500 we received from the two I mentioned, an additional $200 and then I have other people that are

committing,” Merchant said. “It’s not a problem that we are going to get the money so we’re very happy with that.”

Merchant was correct, the Go Fund Me account’s $4,000 goal was exceeded just a few days after the commission meeting reaching $4,100 as of Wednesday, Nov. 27.

A location for the tree

The idea for the unique tree was something Merchant and her husband, Paul, saw on a trip to London and wanted to bring to Marine City.

After meeting with a metal fabricator to create the tree stand Merchant said the plan is to have six panels on the tree displaying art work, two pieces from the high school, middle school and elementary.

Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Hendrick asked how the art part would be handled. Merchant said the students submit their art and the ones selected are printed on a panel and placed on the tree.

Hendrick asked if maybe the best place for the tree might be near the local library.

“You have all the kids there anyway, people could see it more and there’s just nothing over here, it’s kind of bare, it really would be pretty by the library,” Hendrick said.

Commissioner Sean O’Brien asked if the installation of the tree panels would be a permanent and Merchant said know it will be a collapsable unit they can fold up and put away each year.

Commissioner Rita Roehrig said she’d like to see a more sustainable situation instead of the organizers looking for a new live tree every year. She suggested having a permanent one put in place to use every year.

Merchant told officials that organizers of the project wanted to place the tree near the pavilion at old city hall, which is located at 300 Broadway. A twinkling forest is already in place in that area and this community tree would be a continuation of that seasonal display.

Members of the commission approved placing this year’s tree, minus art because there’s know time for a contest, at 300 Broadway but want a permanent place and specific live tree to be decided on going forward.

All the details:

A memo in the city commission packet explained the idea and importance of having a community Christmas tree.

Community Ornament Tradition: Families will have the opportunity to decorate large outdoor ornaments to add to the tree, creating a new annual tradition.

Durable & Sustainable Design: Built to last by Mechanical Fabricators, the base will feature a red powder-coated finish for weather resistance, ensuring the tree can be enjoyed year after year.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: This project will be the centerpiece of Marine City’s holiday celebrations, complementing events like Merrytime Christmas, Twinkling Forest, and the Santa Parade.

Your support will help us: Revive a Beloved Tradition: Restore Marine City’s identity as a quaint, festive town where families come together to celebrate the holidays.

Engage Local Youth: Provide a creative platform for students to showcase their talents and foster pride in their community.

Strengthen Community Bonds: Bring families, friends, and neighbors together through shared holiday activities.

Support Local Businesses: Attract visitors to our downtown area, boosting foot traffic for local shops and restaurants.

Donors of $1,000 or more will have their family names or business name on the base of the art base.

Donations Will Support: Construction of the octagonal base and art panels Real evergreen Christmas tree LED lighting & tree topper Large outdoor ornaments for community decorating Installation and storage costs

“Let’s come together to create something beautiful and meaningful for our town.” Merchant said.