PORTLAND (AP) — Maine’s largest city is ready to take delivery of its Christmas tree.

Portland officials say the arrival of the 55-foot-tall blue spruce Thursday in Monument Square signals the start of the holiday season. Jeff Tarling, city arborist, says there was an “exhaustive search” before officials settled on the tree.

The tree will be lit on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Officials say the tree will be adorned with more than 3,000 LED lights, donated by Efficiency Maine.

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