Durham Museum Xmas Tree is 40 Feet of Awesome (And There's More Than Just a Tree!)
Every year, one giant Christmas tree has the honor of gracing the cavernous expanse of Dunham's Union Station.
This year, the beautiful old train station is home to a 40-foot Colorado blue spruce that grew up on the not-so-mean streets of Ralston. Resident Rita Guenette took care of the tree for 40 years as it grew from a $1.49 seedling in 1975 to the proud patriarch of Union Station's Christmas celebration in 2015.
Rita talked with the Omaha Herald a few weeks ago when the tree was transported to the station. She said she remembers her kids running and hopping over the tree when it was a seedling.
“I fertilized it every year and it grew really nice," she told the Herald.
Too Big For His Britches? Not Quite...
A photo of the day of the tree transport shows the massive spruce clinging to the back of a comically small flatbed big-rig. The emerald awe-striker is sagging over the sides of the truck and it seems as though a few of its hearty branches are actually touching the street. Police cars cleared the way for the truck and tree.
According to the paper, the Christmas tree tradition at Union Station started in the 30's, took a break for a few years ago and then started again in the 70's when Durham Museum brought the property.
This year's 40-year-old tree is extra special because the museum is also celebrating 40 years of operation at the fabled location.
The Tree is Just The Beginning of the Festivities
Durham Museum's Colorado blue spruce not only stole the show for it's size and splendor, but also because its presence marks the beginning of the museum's amazing calendar of Christmas events. And because we love, love, love the Christmas season, we wanted to let you in on what's happening this year at Union Station.
Here's a video from the museum...a preview of what you can expect this year!
Family Nights with Santa
For the next three Tuesdays the museum will host a family night from 5 to 8 p.m. According to the museum's website, families can make crafts together, watch live performances and more.
Holiday Concert Series
If you're a bit grinchy about Christmas music, this isn't the event for you. However, if you're like us and you can't wait to fire up the Nat King Cole Xmas albums, you need to check out Durham Museum's concerts! They take place Saturdays 10-3, Sundays 1-3 and Tuesdays 5-8.
Noon Year's Eve
Parents of babies and newborns, unite! Union Station is hosting a "Noon Year's Eve" party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 31. Live music, crafts and other cool stuff will culminate with a balloon drop at noon. You'll be home by 1 (p.m., not a.m.!).
More Info About the Durham Museum Christmas Events
If you want to more about what's happening at Union Station, or you just want to pop in to hear some great music and see that massive tree, check out their events page at www.durhammuseum.org.
