From the 1940s to the 70s a Christmas tree would 'magically' appear at the Main intersection in Naicam. (Submitted photo/Courtney Bachiu)

By Angie Rolheiser

Oh Christmas Tree!

Christmas tree tradition being brought back to life in Naicam

Nov 25, 2021 | 1:05 PM

The town of Naicam is resurrecting a Christmas tradition this year.

A tree lighting that would take place on the main intersection of the town each year from around the 1940s to the 70s, will return but not entirely in the same fashion.

Naicam and District Community Council (NDCC)member Courtney Bachiu told northeastNOW there was a ‘magic tree’ that would show up in the middle of town.

“It just appeared overnight, and it was this awe thing and people would travel here to see it,” Bachiu said. “Now that we are talking about it some pictures are resurfacing of it right in the middle of the street.”

The NDCC decided as a group to bring the tree tradition back in conjunction with their annual Santa Claus Day.

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A Christmas light bulb drive brought in enough funds over the past few weeks to completely light up the tree. So far, nine strings of 62-foot length strings have been put on the tree.

“It has spurred so much interest and excitement with current and past residents of town and all of these memories have come flooding back,” Bachiu said.

With the light bulb drive, the theme ‘let there be light’ was created to go along with this year’s Santa Claus Day.

“It has been a dark couple of years with COVID and all of the things,” Bachiu said. “We wanted to bring some light back to the town, gather people together and feel that sense of community again.”

Santa Claus Day takes place this Saturday which is when the tree will be lit, bringing back the tradition that came to a halt over 40 years ago.

Throughout the day there will also be general skating, a trade show, photos with Santa, take-home activities for kids.

The tree lighting is at 5:30 p.m. beside the Naicam post office.

“The ‘magic’ tree that used to show up in town, a crew of people would cut it down and brought it in but this year we chose a big spruce tree that is close to where the old one would show up but is a permanent tree,” Bachiu said.

The tree lighting will include some speaking and some special music and will be followed by carolling and sleigh rides around town. Voting for the community Christmas lights contest is also taking place.

(Facebook/Naicam and District Community Council)

A campfire for roasting hotdogs will also be available as well as hot chocolate and coffee. A senior hockey game is scheduled for 8 p.m.

“So most of the activities happen a the rink but we do head over to the post office for the tree lighting and eventually end up back at the rink to cheer on the hockey team,” Bachiu said.

Bachiu hopes this is something that will last for many years to come.

“We have a great little community and we need to just gather together again and have a fun reason to do so,” she said.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser