During an early morning storm occurring on Saturday, December 1, the 80-Foot tall Christmas tree and its supporting pole at the roundabout, near downtown Branson was reduced to a pile of sparkling rubble as it was damaged beyond repair. According t0 news reports, the city purchased the tree for $51,000 in 2016 and has paid $12.000 per year for re-installation, tear-down, and storage.
Located near the Cox Medical Center Branson campus, the Christmas tree was formed from 84 strands of LED lights attached to a flagpole.What is left of the tree will be cleaned up as soon as possible.
City officials are working to get a formal damage assessment and cost estimate for repairs.