NewsLocal News

Actions

Meet Big Blue, the lucky Christmas tree chosen for the Durham

Big Blue was cut down Monday morning
Posted at 6:58 PM, Nov 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-18 20:30:32-05

OMAHA, Neb. — This time of year is bittersweet for Omaha resident John Flores. For him, like many of us, the holidays are a time for family.

"My mom and dad passed, my sons are all on the coast and so we don't have any close family," Flores said.

And now, a bitter moment, as another member of the family is leaving.

But this is the sweet part.

"And the lady says, you're tree made it. You're going to be the tree," Flores said.

The family member that's lived in John's front yard for about 30 years now, is finally leaving home.

"They call it Big Blue cause it's a blue spruce and it is big," Durham Museum director of communications Jessica Brummer said.

Big Blue won the competition of a lifetime.

"Every year we have somewhere around 40 to 50 trees on our list. We go look at them all," Brummer said.

Out of all the contenders, Big Blue was declared the winner. The prize? Big Blue will be displayed at the Durham Museum as their annual Christmas tree.

"The original tradition dates back to 1931 when our building, Union Station, was a train station. Union Pacific used to cut the tree down in the Pacific North West and bring it back via train," Brummer said.

But now residents like John, donate their trees.

Peter Gantnier is a retired Union Pacific employee. His 37 years of experience makes him an expert in taking these trees down.

And although some things have changed.

"Equipment's a lot nicer, trucks are a lot nicer," Gantnier said.

Some things never change.

"I used to work for the railroad and do that tree with him all the time. My grandson came when he was a baby to see me so now every year we come together," Gantnier added.

Once the 45-foot spruce came down Monday morning, Big Blue make the 18-mile long journey from John's home to the museum.

Now as it hangs inside the museum, all there's left to do is reflect on the memories and of course decorate.

Mangelsen's will spend the remainder of the week decorating the tree in preparation for the Tree Lighting Ceremony that will take place the Friday after Thanksgiving from 4 to 8pm.

See also: Skytracker 3 Video - Durham Christmas Tree