A 68-foot spruce from Sault Ste. Marie will be the holiday highlight in Lansing this year, as the local tree was chosen as the official state Christmas tree.

The spruce was donated by Sault Ste. Marie resident Linda Ried in honor of her grandparents, Lawrence and Nettie Richey.

“I was shocked when I found out our tree was selected as the 2025 state Christmas tree,” said Ried in a statement . “I don’t remember a time when the tree wasn’t in the backyard, but my grandparents played an integral role in my life since I was a young girl, so it means a lot to be able to make this donation in their honor.”

The tree was harvested in a special ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 30. Community leaders and residents came together to send the tree off in style. The event also included performances by the

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