The town of Bergland began an early Christmas season yesterday as demonstrated by the Christmas Decorations on neighborhood lawns.

But, it was just one block away that the Michigan Christmas Pageantry began early Wednesday morning as once again, for the seventh year in a row, the State Capital Christmas Tree will come from Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

This year's tree was harvested in Bergland yesterday while more than 500 spectators looked on. More than 100 students from the Ontonagon school district and 300 hundred students from the Ewen - Trout Creek School District were on hand to watch this exciting event. They were to be joined by students from Bessemer and Watersmeet. but the flu has closed those districts down. Sergeant First Class Tim Wilkenson from the National Guard and members of the Jr. ROTC from the Ironwood Area School District provided the color guard for the day long festivities. The ROTC Commanding officer Colonel Manki was also on board. The E-TC choir directed by Brad Bessonen sang the National Anthem and many Christmas Carols.

The Master of Ceremonies for the ceremonies was Denny Olson, the head of the Christmas Tree Crew. Denny spoke to kids before the cutting began, telling them of the importance of the lumber industry not only to our area but to the state as well. Being the true lumberman that he is, told the kids that he believed the lumber will lead the state out of the current economic downturn. Denny received a great big cheer when he called the kids tomorrow's lumberjacks. Denny is quite a guy and if all the lumberman are like him I can believe.

Joining Denny for the day were Ann Jousma-Miller, Director of the Governor's Office for the Upper Peninsula. Ann also addressed the crowd. Kayne Beauchamp, Staff Assistant for Senator Debbie Stabenow was also in Bergland to join in the festivities.

There were several members of the "State Christmas Tree Crew" who travel the State in search of the "perfect tree". They told Ironwoodinfo reporters that the perfect tree is approximately 65 feet tall and 30 feet wide. They prefer Spruce trees with fir being their second choice. We were told that the annual tree more often than not, comes from private property. They are usually planted by the homeowner and are planted in clear space, making them easily harvested.

This year they found the perfect tree in Bergland at the home of Josh and Amanda Lopac. Josh was at the location yesterday, however, Amanda a former E-TC teacher was unable to attend the ceremony. The tree was named "Ava Iola" after the Lopac's daughter, that Amanda is expecting to deliver next month.

The Lopac's tree sat on the front lawn of their Bergland home between their house and an almost twin spruce tree. Everything was perfect. The tree the accessibility and the generosity of the Lopacs who donated their 68 year old spruce to the residents of Michigan. Their perfect tree, 65 feet high and 30 feet wide at the base.

The members of the tree crew, Steve Doty, John Gross, Sara Nelson, work in Lansing for the Department of Management and Budget. They were joined by Sara Martin, a staff photographer from MDOT. Greg Nelson, from Ononagon helped in the 4+ hour cutting and wrapping process. Greg also went up in the Cherry Picker to attach the tree to the crane operated by John Odivero.

The tree was finally hog tied and chained down on a flat bed trailer and will be taken to Lansing by Mike Nordine. The tree began its long three day journey from Bergland this morning. It is expected to reach its final destination Saturday, where it will be trimmed and officially lighted on November 20th.