COLUMBUS – After weeks of preparation, the sound of whirring chainsaws cut through the quiet morning air on Thursday, and after just a few moments, the 76-foot-tall Norway spruce was removed from its stump and ready to make the trip to New York City.

The 75-year-old tree had stood tall on the edge of Chenango County for as long as residents could remember, but all that changed at 8 a.m. Thursday. Destined for New York City, the tree was bound up, lifted by a large crane and cut from its enormous base.

Donated by Rebecca Decker, the tree, located at the edge of the Town of Columbus, was placed on a large platform truck and transported through the county for its debut in Rockefeller Center.

Pedestrians and spectators lined the street as the truck drove through town honking its horn. Acting Columbus Supervisor Jane Prohaska called the experience “a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

The entire Unadilla Valley Central School District student body lined State Route 8 as the tree made its way past. “Not only is the tree from our community...it was sourced from the property of one of our UV FAMILIES and they were on hand for the occasion to bid the big spruce farewell,” a statement on the school district’s Facebook page read.

The tree began the 200-mile trek from Chenango County to New York City on Thursday. It officially arrived in Rockefeller Center on Saturday, November 7. The tree’s 50-foot diameter was significantly narrowed by countless cords and ropes wrapped around the branches to make it easier to transport on the highway. The tree was secured and erected in Rockefeller Center on Saturday, but the official tree lighting will not occur until Wednesday, December 2, as part of a televised Christmas event.

“A heartfelt thank-you to the Camenga family for this precious donation and for allowing our small town to be part of such a special and memorable moment,” said Prohaska. “We are so proud to share a little piece of Columbus with the world!”

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino joined in the celebration on his Facebook page, saying, “I am excited and proud to report the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is from the 121st Assembly District.” Angelino posted several videos of the tree being cut down and arriving in New York City.

Soon, the tree will be adorned with 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 900-pound star. The tree will be on display daily until January 9. Following the Christmas season, the tree will be milled into lumber and donated to Habitat for Humanity.