NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The two downtown Christmas trees were delivered and set up Monday, kicking off the holiday season in the city.

 

"It will take me from now until the tree lighting to decorate it," Wire and Alarm Inspector Mitchell Meranti said.

 

Meranti did not know the exact size of the two trees but noted the tree closest to the monument was difficult to size.

 

"This is probably the most challenging one that I have done," he said. "It started out a 50-footer and we had to cut it down at the site and here more. So it is a lot of work."

 

The crew must leave enough trunk exposed to place the tree in the 29-inch pit located in front of the Civil War monument.

 

After the tree is placed, Meranti said they have to square it up and secure it with cables. Then it is time to decorate.

 

Although a lot of work, he said the tree placement is always a bright spot in the year for the Department of Public Works.

 

"Everyone looks forward to this every year," he said.