11/25/24

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share that our community has raised over $8,300 for maintenance and electricity for America’s tallest living lighted Christmas tree, following a call for help put out in September by volunteer firefighters.

That tally is according to The Ferndale Foundation, which has received the donations and will help administer the funds.

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce is proud to have helped spearhead the fundraising effort, and we thank and applaud all in our community who helped shore up the tree’s resources for years to come.

As reported in September:

“Ferndale community leaders are seeking contributions to keep America’s tallest living lighted Christmas tree maintained and powered for holiday seasons to come.

“A tradition since 1934, the 162-foot-tall spruce tree at the end of Francis Street in Ferndale, California, is lit every year in early December and sparkles nightly throughout the Christmas season. Visible from Fernbridge some five miles away, the tree is one of the Victorian Village’s most recognized and beloved symbols.

“The Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department, which hangs the lights on the tree every year, says that an arborist has recommended that the tree undergo some much-needed maintenance before this year’s lighting, scheduled for December 1 and led, as per tradition, by Ferndale 4-H. Additionally, Ferndale Rotary, which has generously overseen payment of the tree’s electric bill for many years, is seeking contributions to replenish that fund.”

[Read the full story here.]

This wonderful news comes just in time for Ferndale’s next tree lighting this Sunday, December 1 at 5:30pm at the end of Francis Street. As usual, Ferndale 4-H has organized carol singers, a special surprise guest, and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies for attendees.

The news also comes as Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka appears to be making a move on Ferndale’s tree title. 😉 We’ll wait for the measurements to come in, but two things are for sure: First, Ferndale remains “the undisputed local Christmas destination” (Lost Coast Outpost). And second: With Ferndale’s tree lighting reaching its 90th year on Sunday (excluding three during WWII when the tree was dark), we’ll always hold the title for tradition.

We look forward to welcoming you throughout this holiday season! For a full calendar of festivities—including theatre, live music, Santa visits, our famous Lighted Tractor Parade, and more—please go to VisitFerndale.com/events.

Correction, 12/3/24: The tree was dark for three years, not four, during WWII, according to the Ferndale Museum.

Contacts:

Ferndale Rotary: rotaryclubofferndale1968@gmail.com, Facebook

Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department: 707-786-9909, chief@ferndalefire.org, ferndalefire.org

Ferndale Chamber of Commerce: info@visitferndale.com, (707) 786-4477