GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The centerpiece for this year’s Railside Christmas celebration is now in place at Amur Plaza.

Early Thursday morning, city crews cut down a Colorado Blue Spruce from Cindy Lowenstein’s yard on East Sunset Avenue and transported it downtown, with support from the Utilities Department, Parks and Rec and the Police Department.

Crews will spend the coming days securing and decorating the tree ahead of the Railside Christmas celebration on Friday, November 21, which will feature Santa Claus traveling through downtown in a wagon to the official tree lighting ceremony.

Each year a different local family donates the tree, adding a community touch to the holiday festivities.