Christmas trees glisten with colorful lights, ribbons, ornaments, and special meaning in Kellogg Park, downtown Plymouth. Over 40 trees can be found uniquely decorated in the park, bringing smiles to many faces.

Lining the park in an orderly fashion, these trees sprinkle the park with Christmas spirit. “They have been put up for over 20 years now,” said Wes Graff, President of Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce. “They officially go up the day after Thanksgiving and are turned on and decorated, and go through New Year’s,” said Graff. These trees don’t just give a beautiful look to the park, they also portray meaningful messages.

There are two different meanings behind the beautiful trees. Some are designed to make the park look attractive and add to the ambience of downtown Plymouth. Festive trees such as the Grinch and Elf-themed trees can be seen residing on the west side of the park towards the front. These are done by businesses and community groups. “The trees in the east side towards the back, 24 of them, are memorial trees,” said Graff. These trees are to honor those who have passed.

Plymouth creates a drawing each year to find out who will be able to have a tree in the park. Graff continues, “Two of the trees are from a group called Compassionate Friends. It’s a group to help those with their grieving who have lost a child. Those trees have ornaments that name each child that has passed.” This is a touching way to honor children who are not here to celebrate Christmas this year.

When walking around downtown Plymouth this holiday season, make sure to stop by Kellogg Park and take some time to appreciate all the beautiful trees. Show respect and honor for those who have passed by taking a little time to read some of the signs and ornaments that surround the trees. Sharing our respect for those who are no longer here is a sweet and warm way to support our community and share love with those who are still here remembering those who are not.