The holiday season is officially underway in Delavan as city crews began work this week to install the town’s annual Christmas tree on Locust Street, just north of the intersection with 4th Street.

The towering evergreen, a centerpiece of the city’s seasonal celebrations, is carefully positioned each year to welcome residents and visitors alike. Crews used heavy equipment Wednesday morning to secure the tree in place, ensuring it will stand tall through December’s winter winds.

Once the tree is secured, crews will begin stringing thousands of lights. The Dispatch has not yet received information on whether an official tree-lighting ceremony will take place, but will provide updates as soon as details are available.

Residents strolling downtown paused to watch the work, snapping photos and sharing memories of past celebrations. For many, the sight of the tree rising above Locust Street marks the true beginning of the Christmas season in Delavan.

A special thanks goes to local business B&W Tree Service and its owner, Bill Birky, whose assistance in raising the tree has been a valued part of this tradition for many years.