Henrico’s Christmas tree destroyed by chainsaw vandal just weeks before tree lighting
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A beloved holiday tradition in Henrico has been hit with unexpected humbug. Staff at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen say a grinch used a chainsaw to damage the 40-foot tree that has served as the centerpiece of their annual tree lighting for more than two decades.
“It’s really sad. It’s a very old tree, probably 30 to 40 feet high. So we’re starting from scratch,” said Amy Holland, Director of Development at the Cultural Arts Center.
Stump of Henrico's 40ft Christmas tree. (Photo: Deniel Dookan, 8News)
She said their team discovered the damage on the morning of Monday, Nov. 17 when a staff member noticed part of the massive tree had fallen. A closer look revealed something far more sinister.
“We realized these were deep cut marks, and they had to have been made with a chainsaw,” Holland said. “We’re trying to imagine who would come out and bring a chainsaw, and why this tree.”
The tree isn't located near any surveillance cameras, which left staff stumped by who the culprit could be.
"We thought the Grinch had visited over the weekend, or Scrooge, we’re just not sure." Holland said.
Despite the vandalism, the Cultural Arts Center said the annual tree lighting will move forward. Henrico County has planted a new tree, and the event will be relocated.
"We’re moving the event to our center field, and we’re looking to light up the entire field," Holland said. "That requires a lot of extra lights and that sort of thing."
Holland said staff now have a much larger space to fill, so they're asking the community to help rebuild the festive atmosphere. The center is seeking donations of outdoor lights, holiday decorations and large displays to make this year's tree lighting the best one yet.
Although the tree has been cut down, staff said their holiday spirit won't be.
“We think it’s going to be a better event... larger, more lights, more excitement and just a whole new energy,” Holland said.
The annual tree lighting is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The event will also feature holiday musical performances, and a visit from Santa to light the Christmas tree.
To make a donation contact the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen at 804-261-ARTS (2787).
