Christmas tree arrives in Sandusky

SANDUSKY — On Thursday, Sandusky's official Christmas tree arrived downtown, now standing proudly within Schade-Mylander Plaza. Shawn and Dawn Rachul, of Dewitt Avenue in Perkins Township, donated the 35-foot-tall Colorado spruce tree. "The Rachuls had planned to remove the spruce next spring, but when Barnes Nursery contacted them about donating it for the city's Christmas tree, they were happy to give it a new purpose and have it removed for free," according to a city statement. Throughout Thursday, crews from the city and Barnes Nursery carefully cut down the tree, transporting it nearly 3 miles down Columbus Avenue to its new home in downtown Sandusky. "We loved this tree, and we're excited that it will bring so much joy to the city and to everyone who sees it," Dawn said. "It's been an amazing thing to be a part of. This season is all about giving, and we're honored to be able to give this tree to the community." Barnes Nursery has assisted the city for years with both finding a suitable tree and helping to cut, transport and erect it downtown. "Our thanks go out to the Rachul family for their generous donation, to Barnes Nursery for their continued partnership and to the Perkins Township Police Department for helping our crews safely get the tree downtown," said Jason Werling, the city's recreation superintendent. "Over the next few weeks, city crews will be installing lights on the tree to prepare it for the official lighting at the end of the month." For the first time this season, officials will light the tree on Friday, Nov. 28, coinciding with the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and the start of a new season for the Sandusky Christmas Market.