Strong winds knocked down the 68 foot tall Festival of Lights Christmas tree in Blue Earth Plaza Wednesday.
Organizers worked to secure the tree, tucking in the top of the tree into its base to keep it from being further damaged. They were working to get all of the electronics out of the elements before any severe weather hit.
Many of the metal bars inside the tree were visibly damaged. It’s unclear the extent of the damage and it’s also unclear how soon the tree can be put back together.
A Tornado Watch has been issued for Riley County until 8 p.m. in addition to a High Wind Warning and Red Flag Warning until 9 p.m.
Whoville, Inc. organizes the annual Festival of Lights each year in downtown Manhattan.
