Posted by chicagomedia.org on November 17, 2009 at 10:40:26:
TRIBUNE Talk WGN-A/CHICAGO midday host JOHN WILLIAMS reacted to the news that CHICAGO's official DALEY PLAZA CHRISTMAS tree will cost over $150,000 to display by arranging to put up his own tree for a lot less, namely free. So, on WEDNESDAY (11/18), WILLIAMS will be erecting "The People's Tree," a 25-foot tree in the TRIBUNE TOWER's NATHAN HALE Courtyard. The tree is being donated by a listener from a MORRIS, IL farm, and the trucking, lights, crane, and decorations are all being donated by listeners as well.
"This started as an angry rant. I mean, $150,000? Are you kidding?! The city is laying people off," said WILLIAMS. "But my plan to do it for less -- for free -- has morphed into a community effort. People want to be a part of it. They’re becoming the ornaments!"