Community Christmas Tree arrives at Heavenly Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A large fir tree made its way through South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning, escorted by the California Highway Patrol and South Lake Tahoe Police Department from the airport to its destination at Heavenly Village.

For seven years, Kenny Curtzwiler of K & K Services has gone in search of the "perfect tree" for the community, normally scouting it out a year or two before it's needed. Many times the tree comes from a forest thinning project, and Kenny asks if it could remain until needed.

This year is the seventh annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration at Heavenly Village, and the community is invited to join in on November 25 at 6:30 p.m. Not only will Santa arrive, but a special guest will also be lighting the tree during a unique ceremony. Congressman Kevin Kiley will speak during the ceremony, along with Eldorado County Sherriff Jeff Leikauf.

Curtzwiler, Ed Cook Crane Services, and Robert Haen Construction orchestrated the cutting and transportation of the tree.

This year’s Christmas Tree was donated by Emerald Bay Associates and, according to organizers, is arguably the largest and most beautiful to date. “We at EBA are happy to help our community during these Holidays,” said Emerald Bay Associates.

There is a tremendous amount of coordination and countless hours spent involved with this annual event, much of that due to Curtzwiler.

“We are so excited to bring the Christmas spirit into the Heavenly Village and our community with this amazing tree," said Gary Casteel, Jr. of the Shops at Heavenly Village. "It will bring joy to so many folks, both locals and visitors alike throughout the holiday season. On behalf of the Heavenly Village, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”

"I want to thank everyone involved for their support of the village Christmas tree that thousands of locals and visitors will get to enjoy through the holiday season," said Dreu Murin, organizer of the event. "This is the start of the holiday season.”

Murin wanted to thank the Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority, Tahoe Douglas Visitor's Authority, and South Lake Tahoe Tourism Improvement for their support. Murin and Casteel send "kudos" to those involved in the tree removal and parade to the Village:

- CHP Lt. Nelson coordinated and sent Officer Nunes to escort
- SLT Police Chief Stevenson coordinated and sent Sgt. Russell Liles, Officer Cory Wilson, and CSO Sonia Wheeler to escort the tree to Stateline and provide traffic control.
- Ed Cook (Crane Service) sent Tom Loomis to operate the crane and load and unload the tree.
- Robert Haen, (Haen Construction) sent William Santos with the truck and trailer to transport the tree to Stateline.
- City Manager Joe Irvin coordinated the city portion.
- Marriott Maintenance Manager Alphonse and his crew provided help at the installation and are decorating the Christmas Tree.
- Skibum Family Inc. dba K & K Services and Kevin Male provided the labor to move and install the Christmas Tree.
- Sponsor Emerald Bay Associates

The parking garage is open and costs $5 all night after 5:00 p.m., and $10 on holidays. All holiday events at the Village can be found HERE.