Surprise! Milan committee brings 35-foot Christmas tree to town

Tree was purchased from the City of Lawrenceburg

(MILAN, Ind.) – A big delivery arrived in Milan on Saturday just in time for the holidays. 

The Milan Christmas Walk Committee has existed for six years and their goal is usher in the Christmas-season during their annual event. 

The committee had a dream of purchasing a large Christmas tree to be on display in the town park, but it never seemed possible due to the staggering costs of large trees. 

“We’ve had a 9-foot tree and an 11-foot tree in the past, but getting a 35-foot tree was a bucket list item that the committee wanted to bring to the community,” said committee member Linda Meyer. 

Last year, they noticed the City of Lawrenceburg had a new Christmas tree so it prompted them to ask about the old one. 

It led to meetings with Lawrenceburg Mayor Kelly Mollaun and other city officials who agreed to sell the tree to the committee for a discount rate. 

Committee member Greg Holt says the 35-foot Christmas tree is an incredible addition for the community and he is grateful for the City of Lawrenceburg as well.

“The Milan Christmas Walk grows each year and we are getting more people who want to be involved, and when they see this tree it will get even better,” Holt said. "We knew how expensive these trees can be and were never sure how we were going to pull it off."

Holt added that this has been Linda’s goal since she joined the committee. In their first meeting she said, “I want to bring a massive tree to this community!” 

The committee is also thanking their sponsors and donors who made it possible to purchase the tree. 

Until Saturday, the purchase of the new tree was only known among a few people in the community.

Getting The Tree To Milan

After purchasing the tree, the committee had one big question to answer. How were they going to get it to Milan?

It was made possible through the assistance from one business in particular, along with the fire department and community members. 

Todd’s Wrecker Service volunteered their time and trucks to haul the tree from Lawrenceburg to Milan on Saturday, November 8. 

However, getting it out of Lawrenceburg was no easy task.

“We couldn’t get it out of the Lawrenceburg City Garage because it was too tall, so we had Cory with Todd’s Wrecker Service bring a rotator truck down so we could separate it even more,” said Milan Fire assistant chief Rod Johnson. 

They eventually got on the road and a short time later arrived back in Milan with a fire and police escort. 

Todd’s Wrecker Service and the Milan Fire Department spent the next several hours getting the tree off the trailer and set up at Darren Baker Memorial Park. 

Linda Meyer described it as a dream come true when the semi pulled into the park. 

“It just warms my heart to see how the community came together to make this happen. I just can’t wait for everyone to see this lit up as it will feel like a Hallmark movie,” Meyer said. 

Milan Christmas Walk

The 35-foot tree will officially be lit during the annual Milan Christmas Walk on Saturday November 29. 

The free event takes place from 5-8 p.m. and will also feature a lighted-vehicle parade, food trucks, vendors, local businesses, 

It typically attracts upwards of 1,200 attendees annually and organizers are hoping for a larger crowd  this year.

The committee is always looking for more people who want to either volunteer or get involved with the Christmas Walk. You can learn more by clicking here.

Here is the flyer for this year' Christmas Walk: