I wonder... why is the large Chirstmas tree still on top the US Bank Building downtown?
BOISE - It's February - time for cupid's arrow, hearts aflutter... and giant white Christmas trees?
Commuters and downtown dwellers have noticed the giant tree that adorns the top of the US Bank Plaza in downtown Boise is still burning brightly each night... even though Christmas has been over for well over a month.
The tree usually comes down right after the first of the year, but Unico Properties, which owns Idaho's tallest building, says the tree is staying up for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Mallorie Gordon with Unico says Games organizers asked the owners of buildings around the Grove plaza to keep lights on top of buildings lit throughout the games, to help boost the atmosphere for festivities in the area.
Unico obliged - and since the same company is in charge of the lights and the tree - both will stay until the flame is extinguished late next week.
"We just wanted to keep it up for the Special Olympics so they get a little bit more ambience and decorations to complement the events and festivals," Gordon said.
So why not just turn off the tree's lights at night? The Federal Aviation Administration requires the tree remain lit whenever it is on top of the building.
Gordon says it will likely come down late next week or shortly after Valentine's Day.
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