Standing 40 feet tall, a Balsam Fir from Epping Street in Portland’s Riverton area will illuminate Monument Square this holiday season. 

In a press release, the city of Portland’s arborist, Jeff Tarling, reports that the tree was found by coincidence. The Balsam Fir is being donated by Patricia Olsen of Portland. 

“City staff noticed the tree last summer while doing tree work in the area,” Tarling said. “Richard Olsen, the late husband of the donor, planted the tree in the early 1980s; it was a gift from his sister, Althaea White.” 

The tree will be transported to Monument Square on Thursday at 8 a.m. by the city’s forestry crew. Though there won’t be a scheduled “countdown” to the lighting of the tree this year, people can gather to see it illuminated on Nov. 26 at 4 p.m.

“Both Richard and Althaea have passed away, but I know my husband would have been very happy that his tree was going to be the Portland Christmas tree this year,” Patricia Olsen said. 

Those attending the in-person event are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Free eggnog will be served from 3-5p.m. at the square on the 26th.

For the second year, Portland Downtown will provide a “Tree Cam” live stream. 

While the stream officially goes live on Nov. 26, viewers can catch a sneak peak of the tree during its installation at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Follow Portland Downtown on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the full holiday schedule of events.