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The holiday season is approaching and New York State's holiday trees are being cut down and transported to Albany. The first tree, donated by the Stack family, was cut down in Ballston Spa and will be placed at the Empire State Plaza outside the Capitol building. The second tree, donated by the Keefe family, will be cut down in Malta and will be displayed at East Capitol Park.
The trees were selected by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) and will be removed at no cost to the property owners. The trees are expected to be lit as part of New York State’s tree lighting event in December at the Empire State Plaza. OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “Families that generously donate trees from the Capital Region enable this special New York State tradition.”
The annual tree lighting ceremony and fireworks celebration is scheduled for December 8th from noon until 8 p.m. The event will feature live music, ice skating, and a visit from Santa. The Empire State Plaza rink will open for skating this season at noon on Friday, December 1, weather permitting. Starting on December 2, the rink will feature free skate rentals each Saturday throughout the season courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets, according to a press release from the OGS.