The newly rebuilt downtown Thorold won't get a Santa parade this year - but visitors can bask in the festive glow from a 27.5 ft. tall Christmas tree.
Crews were seen hard at work raising the tree on Front Street on Thursday afternoon outside Shannon Passero's store The Post Office.
"We are doing what we can to spread some holiday cheer," said Passero as she saw the first of 1,000 LED-lights go up on the gargantuan holiday tree.
Passero said it was donated to her by businessman Craig Bartlett, on the condition that she decorates it to spread the holiday feeling - something that is extra important this year.
"We love the Santa parade and will be missing it, but instead we said 'Okay, here's some spirit'. We figured it would be a good way for families to come together for a socially distant picture in front of the tree," said Passero.
Surrounding the skylift were also the new holiday decorations put up on light posts on Front Street.
Earlier this month, plans were unveiled for a new holiday light festival that will see several key points in the city lit up.
The Front Street Christmas tree will be officially inaugurated around noon, Saturday.
