Sisters fires up its Christmas Tree

There were plenty of Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, but nobody had to dress up like Eskimos to enjoy the lighting of Sisters' community Christmas Tree at Barclay Park last Friday night.

The annual gathering at Barclay Park was the warmest in anyone's memory - and no one was complaining.

The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event as part of its Cowboy Christmas and Executive Director Cherie Ferguson acted as emcee.

She introduced Brad Chalfant of Deschutes Land Trust; the land trust plays a vital role in the event, providing the tree. Chalfant explained that the Sisters Christmas tree has been cut on the Deschutes Land Trust's Metolius Preserve in Camp Sherman, a forest that is being managed to protect forest health.

The spectacular 45-foot tree loomed black against the twilight sky as the ceremony went on.

City Councilor Lon Kellstrom reflected upon the creation of Barclay Park, named in honor of Sisters pioneers Harold and Dorothy Barclay.

"This great little pocket park is an example of the can-do attitude we have in Sisters and the community spirit we have here," he said.

Father Ted Rodrigues offered up a blessing, noting that it was not just a blessing for an object or an event, but tidings of good news for the season, tidings that may be given as well as received.

As Rodrigues gave out his "Merry Christmas!" the crowd responded in kind. Then, after a moment's delay, up went the lights to a rousing cheer.