Two years after Reading garnered national attention for its scrawny-looking "Charlie Brown" tree, the eastern Pennsylvania city dedicates its long-term solution to a tree it can be proud of.
Reading erected a 35-foot tall artificial tree to avoid another "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree controversy.
Reading Mayor Wally Scott told the Reading Eagle he is a fan of natural trees but wanted to avoid the stir caused when city workers erected a scraggly real tree two years ago. The tree was first ridiculed then embraced by residents when it was likened to the scrawny tree featured in "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
The artificial tree at Fifth and Penn streets boasts 1,250 ornaments, more than 1,900 lights and a 5-foot star. The tree should last 15 to 20 years.
Tree lighting is set for 6 p.m. Friday.
