2020 Douglas County Live Christmas Tree Coming Soon
6:40 PM · Nov 19, 2020“Twas the month before Christmas and all around the Courthouse, twinkling lights are being strung, and there is merry news to announce; The garland is being hung on the pillars with care, in hopes that our Douglas County Christmas tree soon will be here. A great deal of planning, and mystery abounds, as we have selected something extra special this year to astound. For out on the Courthouse lawn, on Tuesday, November 24 th there will be such a clatter, That many residents will want to know what’s the matter? When, what to their wondering eyes will appear, but a real-live tree to be planted this year.” The Douglas County Board of Commissioners are excited to announce that our 2020 Douglas County Christmas Tree is headed our way. They are even more excited to announce that they will be planting a ‘live’ tree this year on the front lawn of the Douglas County Courthouse, that will grow and serve as our Christmas tree for many years to come. On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, the live tree, estimated to be about 30-feet-tall will arrive at the Douglas County Courthouse, where arborists will coordinate with our Building Facilities staff to plant our new Christmas tree. “This will undoubtedly be a different holiday season for many of our residents, so we wanted to do something extra special this year. Our Building Facilities staff have selected a beautiful evergreen tree to permanently grace the front lawn of the courthouse, and they are prepped and ready to make it glow bright with Christmas lights this year,” stated Commissioner Chris Boice. “Our Christmas wish is that this tree stands as a symbol of joy, harmony, peace and hope for our residents and their families; not only this year, but for many generations to come.” Our Building Facilities staff has been hard at work turning the Douglas County Courthouse, as well as the Douglas County Justice Center into a festive holiday display. Once our new tree is planted, they will work on adding lights and additional displays to the front lawn. The lights on the tree will be dark until the weekend of November 28-29, 2020, when we will flip the switch to ring in the Christmas season. The lights on the tree and Courthouse will illuminate on a varied schedule through December. Due to circumstances beyond our control, and to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, we will not be holding a traditional tree lighting ceremony this year. Instead, the Douglas County Christmas Tree Committee, consisting of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, City of Roseburg and the Roseburg Town Center/Downtown Roseburg Association will simultaneously broadcast a pre-recorded virtual tree lighting program on Sunday, November 29, 2020, starting at 6:00 pm, on their respective Facebook pages for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to join us from the comfort of your own home for the festive and fun-filled virtual program featuring: Holiday Music and Caroling; the annual holiday greeting from Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich; the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Roseburg City Councilor, Andrea Zielinski; a countdown to the tree lighting with Commissioner Tom Kress; and perhaps even a visit from the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus. Please note, there will be some traffic congestion in the downtown area on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, while crews block off the necessary space in front of the Courthouse to safely unload and plant our new tree. Additionally, our Building Facilities crews will be outside in the next few weeks installing all the holiday décor to the Courthouse and Justice Building. Safety is always a priority for the public and we are asking motorists and pedestrians to use caution as they travel in the downtown area and visit the Courthouse during this time. Please expect delays and seek alternate routes whenever possible, and follow all posted signs, warnings and barrier notifications.