Sigh of relief as Rehoboth’s sing-along tree is installed

After last year’s tree snapped during installation, there was a collective sigh of relief and a round of applause when Rehoboth Beach’s holiday tree slid into place Nov. 20 at the Bandstand.

“I feel a lot better now,” said Harry Caswell, standing next to the huge tree while others tightened it into place. Earlier in the morning, he was anxious. “I’ve been up all night thinking about this,” he said.

The 23-year-old evergreen was donated to the city by Kim Duggan and her children, Wil and Kate. The tree has been a part of their family since 2001, when Kim’s late parents, Russ and Donna Evans, planted it at their then-new Lewes home.

Kim said they were cutting the tree down because it was getting too big for the front yard. She said she’s the sentimental type and this way it can live on for a few more weeks.

Wil was on hand. He said the tree was getting too big and heavy, and that it was starting to create a risk.

Kim said Wil will inherit the house at some point in the future. He can plant a tree again and have the city come back in another 20 years, she said.

Wearing one of her mom’s old sweatshirts, Kim said her mom died 14 years ago Dec. 22. Pointing to a rose bush her mom planted that had one yellow rose on it, she said, “She’s here watching today.” 

Lynne Coan, city spokesperson, is the one who oversees the installation of the tree. It’s definitely bigger than last year, she said, estimating it to be about 30 feet tall.

Greg Plummer of George W. Plummer & Son Inc. said the tree weighs 5,000 pounds, according to the scale on his crane.

In addition to Harry Caswell Inc. and George W. Plummer & Son Inc., Delmarva Power helped with the installation.

The annual tree lighting and sing-along is traditionally held Black Friday, which this year is Nov. 29. The show is slated to begin at 6 p.m. with the Cape Henlopen Holiday Band, followed by the sing-along with Clear Space Theatre at 6:30 p.m. The tree lighting happens soon afterward.

Rehoboth Avenue is currently being repaved during daytime hours. However, the city has announced operations will be shut down Wednesday, Nov. 27, through to Tuesday, Dec. 3, to avoid too much hassle over Thanksgiving weekend and for the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Hometown Christmas Parade that takes place Monday, Dec. 2.

For event information, go to cityofrehoboth.com, or contact the communications department at 302-227-6181, Ext. 522, or communications@cityofrehoboth.com.