The Christmas tree in Point State Park, Downtown, will illuminate once again.
After last year’s announcement that 2020 would be the final time for the holiday season, a group of citizens started a petition for its return.
They got more than 10,000 signatures.
Duquesne Light confirmed via email: “Duquesne Light will once again help the Pittsburgh region kick off the holiday season by lighting our iconic ‘Tree of Lights.’ ”
The tree will be lit at 6 p.m. Thursday in a private ceremony.
“We are thankful they listened to the people,” said Pete Linko, a resident of Cross Creek Township, Washington County, who led the petition. “The people of this city have a high respect for that tree. It means a lot to all of us. I have new baby and I want my kid to experience that tree during the holidays.”
He put the call for support on social media and said the response was overwhelming.
“We heard it was returning and confirmed they were setting it up,” Linko said. “This tree can be seen from so many places in the city. When the Steelers are on television, you can see the tree on the broadcast. It’s a tradition.”
Last year was pretty dark and depressing for a lot of people, Linko said.
“Ten thousand yinzers said, ‘Not so fast!’ ” Linko said. “That tree is a beacon of hope. It’s iconic. We can’t lose that tree.”
Joining Duquesne Light for this year’s private ceremony will be representatives from When She Thrives, which supports single mothers and their children.
Duquesne Light said after planning to retire the tree last year, the company coordinated with park officials to bring it back one more time following the public support. It coordinated with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which manages Point State Park, for this final time. A different display is planned in the future.
“This is the last year for the tree in its present form, but plans are currently underway to create a new and more modern holiday light display that’s expected to continue the tradition that Pittsburghers have come to love over the years,” Duquesne Light said.
Details of those plans will be announced in the coming months.
