Havasu’s Community Wheeler Park Tree Remembered

In a ceremony Wednesday morning, Lake Havasu City’s community tree in Wheeler Park was taken down.

Mayor Cal Sheehy spoke to the small crowd, along with Parks and Recreation Director Gabby Vera, and Havasu Pioneer Toni Ade. Mayor Cal thanked the Parks Department for caring for the tree over the past 45 years.

In a previous story in RiverScene Magazine, in 1979, just one year after Lake Havasu City’s incorporation, Ed Frederico brought the first community holiday tree to Wheeler Park, inspiring a tradition rooted in hope, generosity and togetherness. With the help of his friend Jim Carr and the community’s unwavering support, the tree was transported from Phoenix and planted in Wheeler Park, becoming the centerpiece of Lake Havasu City’s first holiday celebration.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wheeler Park in 2023. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

For more than four decades, the tree has stood tall as a living landmark in the heart of the park, providing shade, beauty and cherished memories for generations of Havasu families.

Some grabbed a few pinecones with tears in their eyes right before tree was cut down. A new tree will be planted in its place with donations from the Havasu Pioneers.

Lake Havasu City will continue the tradition with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 30, at Wheeler Park, marking the first lighting of the new tree and one final season of the traditional ceremony in the park where it all began. Then in 2026, the ceremony will be moved to Main Street Commons on Main Street.

“We are going to create plaques with pieces from the tree. We are planning to place one at City Hall and the Aquatic Center and then for families who have ties to the tree,” said Parks and Recreation Director Gabby Vera.

Christmas Tree Wheeler Park RiverScene Magazine Jillian Danielson Photography Havasu Pioneers Parks and Recreation Lake Havasu

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

City staff and Parks Dept. posed for a photo with a McCulloch chainsaw borrowed from Dan Delesantos with a ribbon cutting.

The process of cutting down tree by LHC Parks Department started at 11:15 a.m and was completed at 12:24 p.m.

This year’s tree ceremony will be held on Nov. 30, with a 50-foot LED tree at wheeler park at 6 p.m. The community is invited to attend.

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

A McCulloch Chainsaw is used as a prop at the tree ceremony. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Mayor Cal Sheehy speaks to the crowd Wednesday morning at Wheeler Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Parks and Recreation Director Gabby Vera speaks at the Wheeler Park tree cereomony Wedensday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Lake Havasu City officials and Toni Ade from the Havasu Pioneers pose for a photo one final time in front of the tree after a ceremony. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Lake Havasu Parks and Recreation crew and city officials pose for a photo in front of the tree at Wheeler Park. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Havasu resident Lisa Mousel shows the pincones she collected to take home. Mousel told RiverScene she remembers the many Christmases with her children by the tree. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Nick Rohn cuts branches from the tree at Wheeler Park Wednesday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Steve Greely of Radio Central poses one more time with the Havasu Christmas Tree. Radio Central has hosted many tree lighting ceremonies with this tree over the years. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

The Lake Havasu Parks crew pose with the tree one last time. They have worked over the past few years trying to save it before having to cut it down Wednesday. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene