Community rallies after vandal chainsaws beloved Glen Allen Christmas tree weeks before holiday celebration

A beloved 40-foot cedar tree that served as the centerpiece for the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen's annual illumination celebration was vandalized by someone with a chainsaw just weeks before this year's event.

The tree, which had been the focal point of the holiday tradition for 27 years, was discovered damaged when a staff member noticed something unusual about one of its branches earlier this month. Upon investigation, they found that someone had literally brought a chainsaw and carved into the tree.

Amy Holland with CACGA says staff believed the tree would still be able to stand, but high winds eventually brought the cedar down. In response, Henrico County planted a 10-foot replacement spruce tree at a different part of the property near the center's new outdoor event space.

K Alferio, president and CEO of the center, said while she appreciates the county's swift actions, she says she understands that the public might be underwhelmed by the spruce's small size.

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