The Indiana County Tourist Bureau has selected the Christmas Tree that will be installed in IRMC Park for the Holiday season, and they did not have to go far to find it.
(From L to R: Dave Reed, Don Huey, Tourist Bureau President Gregg Van Horn, Barbara Hague, IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll, Sam Kenly, Hastie Kinter, Rose Strittmatter, Mark Hilliard, Dr. Michael Tyree, Laura Herrington in front of the tree selected for IRMC Park behind Waller Hall. Photo by Anthony Frazier/Fanzo Photography)
The bureau announced that IUP will provide a 40-foot tall Blue Spruce that will go into place on November 17th at IRMC Park. This is being done in partnership with the Allegheny Arboretum at IUP. The Spruce is currently located behind Waller Hall facing the Oak Grove. Allegheny Arboretum at IUP Board of Directors Co-Chair Dr. Michael Tyree, a professor of biology, helped to identify the tree selected for the donation.
Gregg Van Horn, president of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau and the County Christmas Tree Growers’ Association, said that this will be the first and last blue spruce to be installed at IRMC Park for the holiday, as it is rare to find a blue spruce that big and in good condition. IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said this would be a part of the University’s Sesquicentennial Celebration and called it a great way to say “Thank you” to the Indiana Community, the Tourist Bureau, Downtown Indiana and to everyone who contributes to the success of the community.
The ceremonial first lighting of the tree will be November 21st at 6:30 PM as part of the It’s A Wonderful Life festival.
