It started out as a rant; now it's a tree. Hearing the city's cost would be $100,000 to stand a tree in Daley Plaza, John Williams said, "I'll bet my buddies and I could do THAT for less."

And hearing THAT, John's listeners started to call. Someone donated a tree, someone a truck, another a crane. And lights. And corations. Calling it The People's Tree (Steve Bertrand worries that makes it sound like some sort of Chinese commie trick), he's also inviting people to bring their ornaments downtown to be displayed.

It should be noted that, early in this adventure, John's wife Brenda called in and reminded John that their family 6-ft tree is seldom perpendicular to the floor. Undaunted, (even more motivated?) John stuck to his vision. And what a lovely vision we're hoping it will be!

When you're downtown shopping this holiday season, stop by the Tribune Tower and drop off your ornament. There will be a box in the lobby...we'll hang them!

We had a lighting ceremony on Tuesday, November 24th. Thanks to Cocio, the All Natural Chocolate Milk, and Lou Malnati’s for keeping us warm in the cold rain. Special thanks to Ace Hardware for providing us with 5,000 LED Christmas lights!

Watch the video of the tree being cut down and arriving at Tribune Tower!

Watch the video of the tree lighting ceremony!

WGN-TV coverage of the tree lighting ceremony!

Listen to the story of the tree!

See the pictures of the tree!

See the pictures of the tree lighting ceremony!