Fort Smith (Dec 06/04) - For over a quarter of a century, one particular tree has been the symbol of Christmas in Fort Smith.

It's an estimated 95-foot-tall spruce that towers over the centre of town and has been decorated most years as a community Christmas tree.

Cpl. Neil Flett and seven-month-old daughter Jordyn were among the many people on hand Nov. 28 for the lighting of Fort Smith's community Christmas tree, which can be seen towering in the background. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"When we light up this big tree, it's the start of the holiday season for citizens of Fort Smith," Mayor Peter Martselos says.

This year's official lighting took place Nov. 28, with a few hundred adults and children braving the cold to cheer as the lights were switched on.

The fact the tree still exists is thanks to William Schaefer, who passed away in 1977.

Salt River First Nation Chief Jim Schaefer says his father protected the tree. It was only after William Schaefer's death that the tree was decorated.

It stands on land once owned by the Schaefer family and now owned by SRFN.

"When I was younger, it was called Billy's tree," says Schaefer. "I still call it my Dad's tree."

It is also sometimes called Granny's tree, after Chief Schaefer's mother, Elizabeth, who passed away last year. Others call it the Schaefer tree, or simply the Christmas tree.

"It was about six feet high when my Mom and Dad got married in 1930," Schaefer says, estimating the tree was about 10 years old then. That would make it roughly 85 years old now.

There were originally two trees near each other, he says. "My Mom cut one down for a Christmas tree. My Dad wasn't too happy about that."

As for why his father took such an interest in the remaining tree, Schaefer simply says "It was such a beautiful tree."

Martselos says stories about the tree go way back.

One story from the early years is of elders singing Christmas carols around it. Dog teams coming to town years ago used the tree as a rendezvous point.

"I think it has some significance, that particular tree," Martselos notes.

The Christmas tree is also a symbol of community unity, he adds. "Everyone feels good about the season."

Schaefer agrees, saying "It's good for the morale of the town."

This year, the town spent $3,000 on new long-lasting lights for the tree.

"The lights are going to remain on the tree for many years so we don't interfere with the well-being of the tree," Martselos says.

Like his father, Schaefer's main concern is that the tree is protected and its branches are not broken.

This year, the tree has been decorated to the very top.

Martselos explains that NWT Power Corporation workers, who help with the decorations, could only reach 15-20 feet below the top.

So he looked for someone to climb to the top to string the new lights and place a star at the zenith. That person was David Burke, who has experience constructing high-rise buildings.

Martselos says getting the right person to do the job safely was a big concern to him. "It was quite a worry." The new lights were installed Nov. 6.

Sparkling in the winter's night, the tree is gaining a new generation of admirers, including nine-year-old Savannah St. Jean. "It's so bright and it's big," she said.

Even visitors to the town admire the tree.

Maggie Flett, visiting from Winnipeg, said the Christmas tree is special compared to those elsewhere. "It's unique that the tree stands all year long."