ENFIELD: A group of about 15 friends got together on a sunny Nov. 20 to put up what’s become part of the Enfield landmark—the Christmas tree at St. Bernard’s Park.
The tree is part of the park that Lorraine and Herve Burri built next to the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church on Hwy 2 in Enfield.
Among that group of friends that sorted the branches and the ornaments/balls that went on the tree were Robin Wilber and Linda Wilson.
Wilber said there’s a concrete thing in the middle that the cable comes down and tightens up to it to keep it from upsetting in the wind. That came in hand when the wind and rainstorm of Nov. 22-23 hit the area.
“You can’t see that concrete thing in the summer because it’s covered with beautiful plants,” said Wilber.
The volunteers were on hand for about three-and-a-half hours on Nov. 20 as they made the tree become reality. It’s lights were turned on later that day. In past years there have been events held before the tree was lit.
“Lorraine and Herve are so kind, to build and maintain this beautiful park and the tree that it’s not hard to get volunteers to help,” said Wilber.
He added that Lorraine had arranged for Beth from Shooters Bar & Grill to come with treats and coffee and hot chocolate.
“I think, there’s a box of cookies or chocolates or something for everybody here, so she makes sure she looks after her elves,” he said.
Wilson said there’s 134 branches with 12 balls on each branch, making for 1,608 balls and they are anywhere from four inches in diameter to 10-12 inches in diameter.
“We love doing this for the community and for our very good friends,” said Wilson. “They are so generous to the community, and we’re just honored that we can help them.
“Lorraine and Herve wished they were here, but they’re with family in Switzerland this Christmas, so we all stepped in and are pleased to help them out.”