It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Arlington. The Chesapeake Energy Christmas Tree, a spectacular 50-foot blue spruce from Mesick, Michigan, arrived on a flatbed truck around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Soon thereafter, workers and a crane helped raise the 60-year-old tree into a stand right on the steps of City Hall. The 4,500-pound tree was donated by Arlington Christmas Parade, Inc.

City leaders said there is still a lot to do before the tree is lit up, but it's hard to miss the latest addition towering over Abram Street. Beginning December 3, a City crew will spend at least two days decorating the tree with hundreds of ornaments, a lighted star on top and more than 3,000 power conserving LED white lights around it.

"Chesapeake Energy has been a great sponsor for the Christmas tree," said Don Duke, Holiday Lights Parade Co-Director. "We appreciate their help and generosity; they've been great to work with." This is the third consecutive year Chesapeake Energy has sponsored the city's Christmas tree.

In keeping with tradition, the official lighting ceremony will be Saturday, December 7, immediately after the 2013 Decorators Warehouse Holiday Lights Parade. Mayor Robert Cluck has flip-the-switch honors, along with Santa Claus. This year's parade will begin at 6 p.m., with entertainment in various parts of downtown, starting at 4 p.m.

More information about the parade, and a complete list of sponsors, can be found at www.holidaylightsparade.com.