Vestal Says “Goodbye” to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
The Binghamton-area's most famous tree is about to be chopped down so it can be trucked to Manhattan as part of a holiday tradition.
The 80-foot tall Norway spruce in Vestal has received a bit more than 15 minutes of fame since the world learned it had been selected to be displayed at Rockefeller Center.
The tree has been a fixture at a Murray Hill Road residence for decades. It's located just a few yards away from Binghamton University's East Gym.
Workers from Torsilieri Inc. of Far Hills, New Jersey, have been busy preparing the tree for transport over the last several days. They've been assisted by a crew from Bay Crane Service of Long Island.
The tree is scheduled to be cut down Thursday morning. It's expected to arrive in New York City on Saturday.
Not everyone is pleased that New York City's most important Christmas tree is coming from Vestal.
Some people who live in the area say they'll be sad to see the tree go. While many residents have expressed excitement that a local tree will be in the spotlight, others aren't very enthusiastic.
In an online comment, one person wrote: "Why can't they just let the tree be a tree and put up an artificial one every year?"
A woman who jogs along Murray Hill Road every day said she'll miss the tree when it's gone.
VIDEO: A final look at the tree before it face Bright Lights in the Big City.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
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