Submitted Photo Hight construction secured the iconic Main Street Christmas tree Thursday in Downtown Minot. Volunteers will be trimming the tree throughout the remainder of the month before the annual lighting of the tree will take place Saturday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.

It’s official, Minot’s Main Street has received its first touch of holiday flair with the raising of the Christmas tree at the North end of the street Thursday.

A crew from Hight construction used a boom truck to lift the 30-foot tree off a transport trailer and secure its place on Main Street. The official lighting of the tree will take place Saturday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. The trimming of the tree with lights and decorations is made possible by volunteers.

The entire Downtown Minot area will soon have a festive holiday decor, according to Downtown Business and Professional Association President Margie Bolton.

“Every business will be doing something special for the Downtown Christmas Event,” Bolton said in a press release. “It really is a great time of year in Downtown Minot.”

Just north of the now in place Christmas tree is The Depot, the newly remodeled Soo Line Depot recently purchased by Minot native Rolly Ackerman.

“The Depot will be open for all ages from 3-9 p.m. with a few food vendors outside and seating, libations for purchase, and live music indoors,” Jessica Ackerman said in the release.

Although the schedules have not been completely finalized, Santa will make his annual visit to the Taube Museum from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for those who want to visit and take photos. Hayrides are scheduled from 4-7 p.m.

The Downtown Christmas program will start at 5:30 p.m., and the countdown to the lighting of the Christmas tree will start shortly before 6 p.m., with the official lighting of the tree promptly at 6.

The Minot Chamber Chorale will be giving a preview of their Christmas Renaissance Feast in The Depot from 5-6 p.m.

Much more will be scheduled in the days leading up to the Nov. 29 event, and interested visitors are encouraged to check out the Downtown Minot website, http://downtownminot.com/, or the Downtown Minot Facebook page for a complete schedule.