Every year after the Christmas season ends, trees are stripped of decorations and prepared for disposal. But in Marblehead, tree disposal takes on a more festive approach.
At Riverhead Beach, locals gather annually to watch as their once-decorated Christmas trees, adorned with lights and sentimental ornaments, are burned in the traditional Christmas Tree Bonfire.
The Marblehead Police and Fire Departments ensure safety during the event by setting up barriers around the trees, about 20 to 30 yards away from the crowd. The Fire Department also keeps a firehose on standby to control the flames if needed.
Even with these precautions, the heat from the bonfire is palpable for those watching. Hundreds of locals gather at the beach, where the massive flames light up the sky. Some residents feel that events like this help preserve Marblehead’s small-town charm.
Last year, a group of Boy Scouts was given the special honor of starting the bonfire by tossing flares into the tree pile. Fire Chief Jason Gilliland made the ceremony memorable for the scouts, allowing about 10 to participate in the flare toss.
The Department of Public Works collects trees from around town for about a week leading up to the event. While last year’s tree pile was smaller than usual, residents are hopeful that this year’s pile will be bigger.
This year’s Christmas Tree Bonfire will take place on Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. with tree collection ongoing from Dec. 26 to Jan. 3.