ThrillNetwork.com :: Discovery Kingdom will have world's largest Christmas tree

News: Discovery Kingdom will have world's largest Christmas tree

By James R

Oct. 22nd, 2007 -- ~ Via Press Release

Standing at 125' tall, the towering presence and iconic symbol of California's biggest holiday celebration, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, will be a gigantic Douglas fir -- the biggest Christmas tree in the world! The tree is expected to arrive at the park on October 30 from a tree farm in Oregon, traveling first by truck on Route I-5 and finally, ceremoniously delivered via Chinook helicopter into the park. Park guests will be able to enjoy this exquisitely decorated and lighted tree when Holiday in the Park kicks off on Friday, November 23.

"Having the biggest tree in the world will make Holiday in the Park one of the most exciting and magical places to visit this holiday season," said Martin Lathrop, park president. "If you can imagine the sheer size of this magnificent tree, and add to that the dazzling display of holiday-themed areas all around the park, it really will be the biggest holiday celebration in all of California."

The Christmas tree, which has a trunk diameter of four feet and an expanse of branches up to 55 feet, will be placed in the existing Dolphin Fountain location, a centrally-located area which will allow guests to view the tree the moment they enter the park. Each night, guests will be asked to "search" for Santa Claus, whom once found, will light the Christmas tree and the actual park simultaneously unveiling millions of twinkling lights in an extraordinary visual display.

The 125' tree, transported from the Willamette Evergreen Tree Farm in Salem, OR will be considered the tallest cut Christmas tree found this holiday season. To transport the tree to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the park has enlisted the services of expert transport service Total Quality Logistics and Redmond Heavy Hauling of Portland. A 75' tractor will be attached to an 18- wheeler and the truck will journey from Oregon to California on Interstate 5. Large banners will identify the special cargo as the biggest Christmas tree in the world, as the truck makes its way along 580-mile rural route, stopping at various towns before arriving at its final destination.

"The public can literally track the tree's journey on our website and make plans to see the biggest Christmas tree in the world as it passes through their hometown," said Lathrop.

After the approximate 2-3 day journey, the tree will be air-lifted directly into the park by a BV234 Chinook helicopter, the biggest and heaviest lifting helicopter in the U.S., piloted by Columbia Helicopters of Oregon. Members of the media will be invited to photograph what will no doubt be an incredible sight, as the tree is set in place inside the park. The tree will be decorated over the next few weeks and be on display throughout the entire run of Holiday in the Park.

For Holiday in the Park, the park is being transformed in familiar and time-honored holiday themes. Guests will enjoy millions of dazzling lights, life-sized toys and ornaments, non-stop entertainment and festival-like ambience to get everyone into the spirit of the season.

Among the myriad Holiday in the Park offerings: Santa's Workshop, where kids can visit those industrious elves and pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus; Candy Cane Lane, a canopy of larger-than-life candy canes and lollipops; Toyland featuring an enormous Nutcracker soldier, teddy bear and other giant- sized toys; the Christmas Tree Forest with the fragrant aroma of a variety of trees and Winter Wonderland where Frosty the Snowman has set up house.

The entertainment lineup will include an array of all new holiday-themed wildlife shows including Dream, starring Shouka, the killer whale; Super Spirited Sea Lions Save Christmas, and A Dolphin Holiday. In Toyland, toys come to life in the original "Toy Box Christmas" show and at the Jungle Theater, an all-new marquee presentation, "Discover Christmas." Additionally, a new holiday movie, "Santa's Late," will premier in the 4D Iwerks Theater.

The inaugural Holiday in the Park event at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will begin on Friday, November 23 and operate on weekends through December 16, daily from December 17-23 (closed December 24 and 25). Special holiday dates are December 26 through January 6, 2008.

For more information, visit CNNMoney.