The Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, Forestry Division, puts out casting call for photogenic trees
October 29, 2020
PROVIDENCE, RI – While the first flake of snow has yet to fall, the holiday season is just around the corner. In preparation for the merriment, the City of Providence is on the hunt for a 35-foot to 45-foot spruce or fir to adorn the steps of City Hall for the holiday season. Two 15-foot to 20-foot spruces or firs for holiday displays at the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center and the Providence Rink located at BankNewport City Center are also requested.
Think your evergreen has what it takes? Owners can nominate their star sapling by sending an e-mail with a “headshot” and detailed description of the location of the tree to Lizzie Araujo, Deputy Director of the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism at laraujo@providenceri.gov.
The winning trees will be cut down and hauled away, free of charge, courtesy of the Forestry Division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Crane services to support the City’s installation of the selected trees have been generously donated by Stanley Tree Service. As a special thank you, the owner(s) will be photographed with Mayor Elorza in front of their winning tree(s). Masks and social distancing will be required during the photoshoot.
Although City Hall’s annual tree lighting ceremony will be reimagined this year to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the City looks forward to celebrating with the community in festive, creative and safe ways. A full list of City-sponsored holiday events and programming will be available in mid-November at www.rethinkpvd.com.
For more information on COVID-19 and best practices you can share, residents can visit this website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visit www.PVD311.com or download the PVD311 mobile app on your smart phone for 24/7 access. Residents can register to receive CodeRED emergency notifications by phone, email, text, and/or mobile alerts for the latest updates from the City. The Rhode Island Department of Health’s COVID-19 Assistance Line can be reached by dialing 401-222-8022 Monday through Friday during regular business hours should residents have additional questions.
Tree submissions must be received by Friday, November 20, 2020. Trees must be on property owned by the resident.