BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Police escorting a 35-foot spruce tree through Boise isn't exactly something you see every day, but it is the sight hundreds of Idahoans on their commute to work got to enjoy this morning.
"I brought my lawn chair out here so I could watch the whole thing," said Margie Oster, neighbor to this year's tree. "I'm going to take my grandkids and go down there to see it all decorated."
The tree at the Grove Plaza is donated yearly by a community member looking to spread some holiday cheer.
"My kids are still teenagers and I think we'll really enjoy the process of seeing it go from our backyard to lit in a skating rink," said Sam Cabot, owner of this year's Grove Plaza Christmas tree. "I took some photos of the kids next to the tree knowing that this was going to happen and we'll take some pictures with them near the rink when it's lit and you know, hopefully put together some sort of Christmas card collage and really commemorate the whole process."
Although many have come before it, this year's tree is unique. It will be the centerpiece of the first ever Glide on Grove.
"This project has been in the works for a little over three years. It's taken so many people advocating for us and helping us get this off the ground, so we're really excited to see all of that work come to fruition," said Sierra Padilla Huitt, Downtown Boise Association Community Engagement Manager.
While a new tree is required each holiday season, the ice rink will become a Boise staple.
"We'll be able to let it go until the end of January, break it down, store it, and bring it back next year, so it's going to be continuous fun for as long as we can do it," said Padilla Huitt.
One of the most exciting parts for Idahoans is that Glide on Grove is free!
"Not only is admission free, skates are free, helmets are free, everything one would need is free," said Padilla Huitt.
Glide on Grove opens after the Grove Plaza tree lighting ceremony, on Friday, November 24 at 5:00 p.m.
"We're just looking forward to bringing this to the community and I hope people will come down and glide on Grove!" said Padilla Huitt.
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