ISHPEMING -- A new holiday tradition is beginning in Ishpeming.

Crews from Negaunee and Ishpeming worked together Monday morning to cut down a 40-foot Christmas tree that weighs about 2 1/2 tons.

The tree is more than 35 years old and was offered to the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame by the resident whose yard it was in.

"We've never done this before; it's new for us," said Hall of Fame President Tom West.  "We hope to have it all lit and ready to go by December 5, this coming Saturday.  We're pretty excited, it's a special day."

There will be a lighting ceremony in front of the Hall of Fame at 4 p.m. on Saturday with cookies and hot chocolate.

West says a tree has already been offered for next year.