Rehoboth selects giant arborvitae for annual tree lighting

With calendars turning to November, the countdown is on for Rehoboth Beach’s annual tree lighting at the Bandstand. The city recently announced a 20-year-old green giant arborvitae will serve as the city’s tree this year. The 20- to 25-foot tree is being donated by Dean and Debbie Smith, who live off of Plantation Road, outside Rehoboth.

“It’s exciting,” said Debbie, during an interview with her husband Oct. 31.

Originally from Montgomery County, Md., the Smiths have been coming to the area since the early 1980s before moving full time in early 2002. Debbie is a retired dental hygienist, while Dean is a retired career firefighter.

The donated arborvitae is one of seven they planted along their property line when they moved into their house. Only three of them remain, and the one that’s being cut down is beginning to crowd out a magnolia tree the couple planted at the same time as the arborvitaes, said Debbie.

“After 20 years, it just doesn’t fit anymore,” she said.

Dean said they chose to save the magnolia because it was a house-warming gift from a firefighter friend. It’s a hybrid that produces beautiful yellow flowers in early spring, he said.

Weather permitting, the tree removal and installation at the Bandstand will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16. This year, Harry Caswell and George Plummer & Son will provide tree removal and transportation services. Caswell is taking over the job from John L. Briggs & Co., which has assisted the city with Christmas tree installation since the tradition started in the 1980s. Delmarva Power also assists with tree installation at the Bandstand.

“We’re looking forward to the process,” said Debbie. “It’s going to be pretty exciting.”

Clear Space Theatre will lead the singing at the city’s annual Tree Lighting and Sing-A-Long event at the Bandstand, which takes place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25.

For more information on the event, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.