This year, the 25-foot tree comes from Goodyear Heights in Akron’s 10th ward, and was donated by Mike and Diana Herhold of Hampton Rd. The evergreen from their yard boasts 4,000 new blue LED lights.

"This tree was one of four that we planted 33 years ago and the only one that survived our kids," said Mike Herhold. "Allowing it to be seen by the whole city makes us proud."

According to the manufacturer of the LED lights, Illumineer LTD, the new lights are unlike incandescent bulbs which produce heat-driven light emissions by way of a filament. LEDs are light-emitting diodes made of semiconductor materials. An LED system can provide 50,000 to 100,000 hours of light compared to the 1,000 hours offered by ordinary incandescent bulbs, do not produce heat, and save energy – by using a small amount of direct current.

The Herholds remembered that the City’s 2007 holiday tree was donated by another family and got in touch with Akron’s Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth, who arranged for Parks Maintenance Manager Bob Reed to evaluate the tree, cut it, and deliver it. The holiday tree is topped with a white star.

The new "green" tree is part of Lock 3’s 5th Annual Akron Chriskindl Market presented by First Merit Foundation. For more information on the family friendly event visit www.lock3live.com.

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