Christmas tree saga unfolds in Linglestown

It's amazing how the simplest things in life can take unexpected twists and turns -- like placing a Christmas tree in Linglestown's newly renovated square.

In years gone by, a tree made out of lights was strapped to the flagpole, but something new is in the works this Christmas season.

Villagers hatched a plan to plant an evergreen tree in a grassy area this year and then add one each of the next three years so all the quadrants have a tree.

OK, find a tree and start digging. Whoa Nelly!! This is where it gets a tad complicated.

Before a tree finds a new home in the square, the fine folks on Lower Paxton's Shade Tree Commission needed to be consulted. They rule over trees located in public rights-of-way like the square.

I've been told the tree panel's response was lukewarm at best for permanently locating a Christmas tree in the square because they grow too big and could block the view of motorists.

It looks like a temporary tree will be used based on a piece of rebar poking out the ground at a circled "x" in the square.

One way or another a tree will be ready to go for the Carol Singing and Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 pm.