What is it: Continuing a tradition that has spanned three generations, the
Barnes Nursery family has helped bring the Sandusky Christmas tree to its downtown home.
“As far as my family can remember, we’ve been a part of bringing the Sandusky City Christmas Tree downtown, perhaps since the new Schade-Mylander Plaza was constructed,” says Julie Barnes Foster, secreatry/treasurer for Barnes Nursery, via a recent email interview. “The crew from Barnes has always worked beside the crew from the City to cut and haul the tree to the Plaza. We use our crane to lift and set the tree. Everyone works together!”
This year’s tree didn’t have far to travel, as it was donated by Eric Hofstatter, who lives in the 1400 block of Columbus Ave. The tree is a Norway Spruce that was gifted to his family from friends returning to the area from Alaska. He planted it more than 20 years ago.
Why is it important: Barnes’ participation in the downtown tree relocation is a tradition for the Barnes family, Foster says.
“We (the third generation) don’t know any different than giving back,” Foster says. “This community has supported us throughout our 73 years in business. What’s not to love!”
How to get involved: Foster says that city residents call throughout the year and offer their tree to be “the” city Christmas Tree.
“It’s a cost-effective way to get rid of a tree that is overgrown for its location or needs to be removed for other reasons,” she says.
Foster’s father, Bob Barnes, is in charge of choosing the tree and enjoys watching the City Christmas tree on its journey downtown, she says. The tree is chosen based on its location, variety, height, shape, and overall health.
You can visit the downtown Christmas tree at
Schade-Mylander Plaza until after the first of the year.