The Tree of Lights ceremony at Rice Park in St. Paul on Saturday coincides with a key program to help the needy.
It takes roughly two days to install the tree. And it takes just a couple seconds to donate to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle program.
"The money that's collected in the 300 or so red kettles around the Twin Cities during this time of year goes to help people in need right here in the Twin Cities," says Dan Furry of the Salvation Army. "And the Northern Division helped 387,000 people last year."
Those bell-ringers matter too. The charisma of each person trying to capture your attenion and money could influence more donations. Some ringers can bring in $170 dollars for their two hour shift, which is a lot according to the Furry.
"It's all about the bell ringer and the feeling and the spirit of the season that really encourages people to want to help," says Furry. Plus, it brings out the best in everybody, and we could use a little bit more of that these days."
Furry says they're still looking for volunteers. You can sign up here.
The tree that they are setting up in Rice Park began Wednesday and was completed on Thursday morning. This year’s tree installation will again feature a dynamic light program that is synchronized with holiday music.
A new program will play each week, so visitors can return to the tree weekly and see a new light and music program.
The tree stands 40 feet tall and, along with the the lights in the park's trees, will feature 250,000 lights. It marks its 4th annual appearance and will remain standing through January 7, which means it'll stay up during the full run of the World Junior Hockey tournament in St. Paul.