The votes are in!
A 55-foot Colorado spruce from a Western Springs family's front yard will serve as the city's official 2011 Christmas tree at Daley Plaza during the holidays.
The Spangler tree was chosen by Chicagaons from among three finalists. Thier spruce was actually a repeat entry from last year's contest. It took second place.
The family said it became a "celebri-tree" in the neighborhood, so they re-entered the contest.
"Over the years, the tree has served us well," said Klaudia Spangler in her contest submission. "It has been a fort for our kids when they were younger, a great source of shade and an ideal marker when directing people to our home.
The tree is scheduled to be removed from its spot of 18 years by the Brickman Group on Nov. 3. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at Daley Plaza. The Spangler family will take part in the event and also receive decorative LED lights as a prize.
This is Chicago's second Christmas tree contest ahead of the city's 98th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, along with the Chicago Sun-Times and Brickman Group selected three top trees of 38 submissions.
Last year, a 70-foot blue spruce donated by the Colomer family of McHenry won the display contest.
