CAMBRIDGE — The 27 foot Christmas tree is already in place at the Courthouse Bandstand in Cambridge. The tree is the tallest the selection committee has ever hauled back to the dedicated spot at the courthouse. Last Saturday morning, former Commissioner Gage Thomas rounded up the crew, which included Danny Muffoletto and his big crane and truck, County Court Clerk Amy Craig and her husband Bill, who traditionally saws down the tree. Billie Sue Norton, Patti Tieder and Paul Hurley brought along artistic input. The committee members had a grand time trudging through the Nichols Tree Farm in Hebron, picking the right tree for the fourth annual search. They did not wear the gloves, hats and scarves they have needed in previous years; mild temperatures made the winter holiday ritual seem like a spring frolic. The crew playfully describes their choice of tree as an “au naturel woman.” The Douglas Fir is full at the top, tapers to a narrower waist, and then is full at the bottom. The Rescue Fire Company’s ladder truck was called on to hoist it up when sixteen foot ladders were not up to the job (by approximately ten feet.)   Dorchester Banner/Gage Thomas
Rescue Fire Company’s ladder truck helps hoist the new Christmas tree into position on the Courthouse Bandstand.[/caption] Lights are already draped on the tree but they will stay dark until November 26 at 5:30 p.m. That’s when they will shine as part of the joyful lighting ceremony which kicks off the holiday season. This year’s celebration promises refreshments and a better sound system for the music provided by the North Dorchester High School Band. Everyone will be there, including Santa Claus.