For the last 36 years, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Marion has been a local holiday tradition.

However, with the town’s blue spruce being sick, members of the Tree and Parks Committee are seeking donations for a replacement tree next year.

“It’s something kids and everyone could get in to,” said committee member Chrissie Bascom. “The tree lighting starts Christmas around here.”

The town is collecting donations to replace the sick tree in Bicentennial Park with a concolor fir, which is priced at $2,000.

The blue spruce has stood strong in Marion since 1991. It was transferred to the park with the help of a donation from a local resident after Hurricane Bob knocked down the previous tree.

Bascom said the committee aims to have the concolor fir transferred to Bicentennial Park in the spring.

Last week, the committee placed donation boxes around town and there will be a donation barrel at the tree lighting on December 9.

To donate to the Christmas tree fund, checks may be sent to Judy Mooney at the Town House, 2 Spring Street.  Checks should be made out to the Tree/Parks Maintenance Fund.  Donations over $250 are tax deductible.  Any additional funds raised will go into the Tree/Parks Maintenance Fund.