Mattapoisett may have to improvise at its annual tree lighting on Dec.13 if it doesn't get one crucial thing ... a tree.

Melody Pacheco, assistant to the town administrator, has been searching high and low for a tree to light up Shipyard Park this December. So far, she’s come up empty handed.

“This is the first year I’ve never had a tree,” said Pacheco.

She said someone usually calls her and offers a tree, but no one has contacted her this year.

Highway Surveyor Barry Denham has been helping Pacheco, searching the town’s tax properties for a suitable spruce.

“We’ve got a couple of Snoopy trees,” said Denham.

He is speaking with the tree warden about planting some spruce trees on town property that can be used in future years.

For now, though, time is running short.

The annual tree lighting, complete with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, is Saturday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Anyone with a tree to donate may call Pacheco at Town Hall during regular business hours: 508-758-4100 ext. 4.