The Tracyton community Christmas tree, a tradition that started in 1948, may not continue beyond this year.

According to community member Bonnie Chrey, unless volunteers are found to climb the tree and install lights, there will no longer be a lit Christmas tree for the community to enjoy.

“The tree lighting started in 1948 when the volunteer firefighters decided to light it,” Chrey said.

“They were the tree climbers and strung the heavy strings of lights on a big old tree close to the community hall.”

The original tree became diseased in the early 1980s and was removed.

The new community tree is located on the grounds of the Tracyton Methodist Church.

“This is the community’s tree,” she said. “It’s just located on the church grounds.”

In the past, money collection jars were placed in locations around the community to raise funds to pay for light replacement, a visit from Santa Claus and the tree climber to place the lights.

“We no longer have anyone to climb the tree and we need help getting the word out to the community that the tree lighting won’t happen if they (the community) don’t get involved,” Chrey said.

“We need a group who might step forward to form a committee to keep this going each year.”

If you are interested in helping, contact Sally Klein at the Tracyton Methodist Church at 360-373-6425.