The City announced today that it will be replacing the Merry Main Street Christmas tree which sustained heavy fire damage early this morning and is a total loss. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by Mesa Fire and Medical Department and the Mesa Police Department. Inquiries about the fire should be directed to Mesa Police at pd-info@mesaaz.gov.
"While this news is devastating, it certainly won't diminish Mesa's holiday spirit." Mayor John Giles said. "The City is working on activating the site for this weekend including a live tree that will be transplanted to a City park later this month."
The Merry Main Street Christmas Tree was sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen private businesses when purchased in 2015 and was valued at more than $40,000. The Chamber is taking the lead on a fundraising campaign to replace the tree.
"We are saddened by this turn of events." Chamber President/CEO Sally Harrison said. "Our members that stepped up to sponsor the tree are disappointed but we are excited to take on the challenge to reach out to our community and East Valley friends to raise funds to purchase a new tree as soon as possible."
Those individuals and organizations interested in making a donation can go to the Mesa Chamber's website at www.mesachamber.org and click on the button for donating to the tree.
Merry Main Street will continue with the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, which is open daily through January 5 except Christmas day; the Mesa Christmas Market located on Macdonald and open this weekend and the following weekend; photos with Santa and the City's trackless train, Main Street Express. For a complete list of Merry Main Street activities visit www.merrymainst.com.
Contact: Steve Wright
Tel. 480-644-2069
steven.wright@mesaaz.gov