The tree is up. Every year a tree is donated and put up on Main Street. It is a fundraiser for Hospice. One light was lit in the memory of Far Guys parents. Hopefully I will get a photo of it at night.
This years tree is very tall and skinny. Some years they are very bushy and almost brush oncoming cars.
Yes, we park in the middle of the street. The Main Street is extra wide, the street was laid out that way when there used to be two lumber companies on Main Street and logs were delivered by horse drawn sleighs or wagons. Once they were unloaded the team could make an immediate u-turn and head back out of town.
There is diagonal parking on both sides of the street and then center parking. I prefer center parking, it is safer than the diagonal parking especially if a huge pickup parks next to you. You have to then watch for approaching vehicles reflections in the store windows or back up very slowly. There are crosswalks at the end of each block but no one uses them. Everyone jay walks… always has probably always will.
I watched the tree lighting ceremony on Friday night. I am a retired hospice social worker , so was pleased to read that the proceeds go to hospice. I've thought the parking pattern on Main Street was interesting. Nice to read why. You should consider trying the free I Spy app to see the town live on webcam. Have a good day.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a nice tree, even if it is a long and skinny one. I'm looking forward to seeing it lit up at night. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have never seen middle of the street parking before. How interesting...as always. I think the tree is perfect and what a nice fundraiser.
ReplyDeleteI like your tall town tree! Center of the street parking is a new one for me too, but the reason for the wide streets is quite interesting. I grew up near a logging town in Oregon, but the mills were never on main street.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tree! Very interesting that you allow parking in the middle of the street. Where I live, we'd use the extra road width to widen the sidewalks, or for bike lanes.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by the center parking when I visited this area several years ago, but like you, I preferred parking in the center.
ReplyDeleteThe tree is beautiful and is for a wonderful cause. I hope you can snap a photo when it is lit.
I had never heard of parking in the middle of the street - but how fascinating the reason for this! I think your tall town tree is beautiful and look forward to seeing it with lights.
ReplyDeleteShirley H.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting way to park. I've only seen it once and it was angle parking.
DeleteIt's a beautiful tree! And what, no snow?!!
ReplyDeletethank you for the info on reason behind the main street design. I have always liked Park Rapids main street. I should have realized their was a practical purpose for it. Knowing a community or a country's history can be immensely valuable.
ReplyDeleteLove the tree! I wish we did something like that here in Regina. They do light up City Hall but I love the idea of using it as a fundraiser Perhaps I may need to write the mayor and suggest it.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen center parking. It looks like it is only for parking in one direction. Is it marked as such or does everyone just know to park that way?
Everyone just knows:)
DeleteThat looks like a town I would like to live in. I love the tall Christmas tree!
ReplyDeleteI always take the center parking when I'm there. I avoid angle parking whenver possible for the same reason that ou do. Thanks for sharing the reqson for the wide main street. I had never heard that part before, but it sure makes sense given the location.
ReplyDeleteOur local hospice tree uses an actual redwood in front of our community college campus, so it's roughly the same size every year--except for growing taller. The utility company comes out with their lifts to get the lights up. It's a real process to get the thing ready, but beautiful when it's lit up. You can't miss it!
ReplyDeleteWow that is one seriously tall tree but I like that it represents hospice and what a treat to see it on your main street!
ReplyDeleteWhat a majestic tree! Center street parking. I know I have seen that someplace before in some small town in Minnesota somewhere along the line. Could have been your town, I suppose. How cool! :)
ReplyDeleteOsceola, Iowa has center parking single line and then outside parting too. I never could get use to that other than if parking is slim I will park out there. Our town tree was planted a few years ago and it will be tall after I move out of town.
ReplyDeleteThey don't have a tree here.....they put up decorations on the street lights but that's it. I've never heard of center parking but what a great idea. I like lots of room when I park! LOL! Beautiful tree! I think every town should have one and to benefit hospice too.
ReplyDelete