City officials held a re-dedication ceremony for the so-called ugly Christmas tree on Sunday.
The spruce on Fifth and Penn is now officially known as "The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree". Reading's tree has been adjourned with one single red ornament, just like in the cartoon.
"This is incredible," said Reading resident Rupanuga Torrel. "I am glad they are paying homage to Charlie Brown."
Over the past few weeks, Reading's less than luscious tree has been the brunt of jokes. People have called it pathetic and wimpy. One resident even joked the birds were too scared to land on it.
Reading officials were going to take the tree down, but instead decided to keep it up after it garnered attention on both the local and national scare.
"Let's give the nation what the nation wants," said Reading Council President Francis Acosta. "I am expecting visitors from all over."
Pat and Michael DeAnthony traveled 70 miles from New Jersey to see the tree.
"I just started to cry when they said they were taking it down so it just makes you feel so happy inside," said Pat DeAnthony.
Officials say the tourism will help the city. Census data has identified Reading as one of the poorest in the country.
"They will be able to stay at our hotels, eat, and shop here," said Acosta.
The Reading Royals are donating ornaments to decorate the tree, just as the Peanuts helped beautify Brown's tree.
Another tree ceremony will be held on Dec. 20.
The City did put up another tree on 2nd and Penn. A lighting ceremony for that tree was held last Saturday.
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