18-foot Christmas tree downtown

The Du Quoin State Bank in cooperation with Trogolo Enterprises owner Jim Espy and the City of Du Quoin is donating an 18-foot tall lighted community Christmas tree that will be erected in the Central Plaza in downtown Du Quoin.

Mayor Guy Alongi said in his announcement, "Tourism will be doing a little more

decorating to accent the tree for the holidays. The tree has a 10 year guarantee and it will feature LED lighting," he said.

"I think this will be the first time in recent memory Du Quoin will actually have a town tree. I talked with Judy Smid of tourism and we would like to have a lighting ceremony and dedication. I am so happy we can have something like this that shows our community pride is shining brightly during the holidays," he said.

Alongi said the tree is in tiers and Espy's personnel will instruct city employees how to erect it the first time.

When taken down, it will be stored at Trogolo Enterprises, fully insured.

Alongi extended his deep appreciation to the Du Quoin State Bank and believes it will fully complement the historic lighting and other holiday decorating planned for Main Street before the holidays.

Mayor Alongi added a footnote about the lighting in downtown lanterns, saying the green lights are in honor of our veterans and will be changed one last time to alternating green and red lights for the holidays before going back to white.