Large Christmas Tree Knocked Over By Strong Winds In South Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — A large Christmas tree set up for the city's annual Holiday Extravaganza event earlier this month was knocked down due to strong winds, according to a city official.

Jay Habansky, the city's chief of economic and community development, confirmed Monday the tree was blown over sometime during a storm event that took place between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

According to Habansky, the tree was reported down sometime in the morning Saturday and was set back up by the vendor who installed it by the end of the day.

"City staff from DPW Economic Development arrived Saturday morning to secure the tree from any further damaged caused by lingering winds," Habansky said in an email to Patch. "The tree was then put back up by the vendor that has been hired by the city to install the tree for the last three years."

Habansky said the tree has not blown over in the past.

"The storm event produced wind gusts upward of 50 mph," Habansky said, "causing stress to the temporary stabilization cables and causing the tree to fall on its side."

The tree could be seen set back up at 50 Washington Street in South Norwalk on Monday.

The city's fourth annual Holiday Extravaganza event was held Dec. 6 at 50 Washington Street, an event which transformed South Norwalk into a festive gathering with activities, performances and entertainment for all ages, according to press materials.

The popular seasonal event included a tree lighting ceremony, as well as a "Santa vs. Grinch rappel" down the SONO50 building.