Washington’s Central Park shone brighter this holiday season from the Lights of Love Memorial Tree program.

The Main Street Washington organization’s 60 live tree order was rapidly filled with reservations this year from families wanting to honor a deceased loved one. Cost to dedicate a tree is $100, which covers the cost of the tree, wooden placard, lights, and bow, and helps support the non-profit organization which serves the downtown district. Trees were sold out by early November, weeks ahead of normal, according to Main Street Director Sarah Grunewaldt, “We have a lot of new names this year which is wonderful and awful all at the same time. I mean, you feel for families that have lost someone in the past year that are purchasing a tree, but at the same time it really lights up the square and it adds a lot for the holidays downtown.”

Grunewaldt hopes they can possibly increase their tree order this summer, as this fall they weren’t able to due to supply chain issues. She’s also grateful that the December 15th derecho caused minimal damage to the trees, with only a few bows and decorations lost. Residents can place their reservation for 2022 by contacting Main Street.