It’s not the biggest in the nation, but it’s close.
Last week the Nugget Casino Resort said that they were bringing America’s tallest Christmas tree to Sparks. However, they were soon corrected that there is actually a taller tree, by 10 feet, located at the Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles. The Nugget responded by stating, “We went out on a limb and you stumped us, Citadel. You must have a top-notch branch manager!”
The freshly cut 105-foot white fir pine tree is from a ranch in Klamath Falls, Oregon, that the Nugget had transported to Sparks on a flatbed truck in time for its Dec. 3 unveiling. Located on Victorian Avenue in front of the Nugget’s Oyster Bar entrance, the tree showed off its 3,000 LED lights and large, colorful ball ornaments to an audience of around 1,000 people at a tree lighting ceremony Friday evening. The ceremony also kicked off the 12 Nuggets of Christmas season of giving event that runs every evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Dec. 14.
“We are thrilled to dedicate this gigantic Christmas tree to the community,” said the Nugget’s Special Events and Entertainment Director Lisa Jansen. “Sparks is a special place to spend time during the holidays. The Nugget and Marnell Family are excited to make the holidays a little brighter for everyone in our area.”
The 12 Nuggets of Christmas is named to bring the community together in supporting 12 different charities over 12 nights. Every evening, donors can make their donations by dropping off gifts or contributions under the Nugget Christmas Tree on Victorian Avenue. In return, those making charitable contributions can receive a complimentary hot cocoa and Christmas cookie. People will be singing Christmas carols and free Engine 39 train rides will be available too.
The Nugget is presenting each chosen charity with a $2,000 donation each evening. To participate in the 12 Nuggets of Christmas, consider donating to these local charities over the next few nights and enjoy some Christmas caroling, too:
Dec. 6 – CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada
Feel free to bring: Adult diapers, wheelchairs, shower and commode seats, transfer benches, scooters, electric wheelchairs, and diabetic-testing supplies.
Dec. 7 – Friends of Washoe County Library
Christmas Carols by: Billinghurst Middle School. Feel free to bring children’s books.
Dec. 8 – Big Brothers Big Sisters
Feel free to bring: New unwrapped toys, gift cards for children ages 8-16 years old.
Dec. 9 – Sparks Rotary (the 39 North Pole Village event will also be going on)
Feel free to bring: New and gently used fishing gear and poles or $5 donations to purchase fishing poles for the next Rotary Club of Sparks Kids Free Fishing Day event.
Dec. 10 – Community Food Pantry (the 39 North Pole Village event will also be going on)
Feel free to bring: Food and cash donations.
Dec. 11 – Canine Rehabilitation Center & Sanctuary
Christmas Carols by Excel Christian School. Feel free to bring: Dog treats and chews/bones (no rawhide), mop heads, flea and tick medication (all sizes), gift cards to Lowe’s and Home Depot, bleach and cash donations.
Dec. 12 – Give Hope Foundation
Christmas Carols by Van Gorder Elementary School Choir. Feel free to bring: toys/holiday gifts for Give Hope recipient children, ranging in age from infant to 17-years old. Cash donations are also accepted.
Dec. 13 – Food Bank of Northern Nevada
Christmas Carols by Girl Scout Troop 398. Feel free to bring: Food and cash donations; each dollar provides three meals!
Dec. 14 – Reno Rodeo Foundation
Feel free to bring: New clothing, jeans, shirts, socks, underwear. Cash donations are accepted and used to purchase clothing for kids.
On Dec. 8-9, the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County is accepting non-perishable food items in exchange for fares to support the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. For more information on the bus schedule, visit www.rtcwashoe.com.
Luke says
Wow that’s a crazy big xmas tree.