Fortier Drive family donates beautiful blue spruce to be city's official Christmas tree

Patrick and Jolene Sbrizza's three sons pose in front of the tree the family is donating to be the city's official Christmas tree. (Courtesy photo)

Rochester's official Christmas tree that will adorn Central Square has been donated by Sbrizza family of Fortier Drive.

Patrick and Jolene Sbrizza purchased their home in 2017, and the couple and their three sons have enjoyed decorating the beautiful blue spruce every year since they bought the property.

The family decided that the tree was outgrowing its space and donated the tree to the City of Rochester for all to enjoy, noted Lisa Clark of Public Works,.

"The Sbrizza's tree is approximately 30 feet tall and will make the perfect centerpiece for the downtown holiday display," said Clark. "The tree will be cut, transported, and put into position on Nov 16."

The Savatree Company (formally Urban Tree) is donating its time and equipment to remove and transport the tree downtown. They will work in collaboration with Public Works to complete the project. Public Works will be stringing lights and hanging decorations.

A Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. The annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for Sunday, December 4, 2022, at 3pm.

This year's tree decorations have been made by Rochester Elementary School Students and the children of the YMCA Child Care Center. The students of the Monarch School of New England will continue the 20-year tradition of trimming the tree with Public Works.