The 'Poinsettia tree' has returned to the Mall in Columbia after being trimmed from the holiday display by mall management last year. Strong reaction from the public brought back the popular 'tree.' (Staff photo by Nicole Martyn)
'Poinsettia tree' is back at the mall
GGP responds to public's reaction after trying a different display last year
By Jennifer Broadwater
Posted 11/20/08
The venerable “poinsettia tree” at the Columbia mall made its comeback this week, following a year’s absence that sparked a loud public outcry.
The “tree” — a 30-foot conifer-shaped metal tower stacked with hundreds of red and white poinsettia plants — has been displayed in one of the mall’s courtyards each winter for more than 30 years, usually beginning around Thanksgiving.
Last winter, the mall’s owner, General Growth Properties Inc., replaced the tree with a new children’s holiday display called “Santastic.” The mall manager said the company was “looking to create new traditions,” and had donated the poinsettia tree frame to the Howard Hospital Foundation’s annual Symphony of Lights event at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
The change incensed many area residents. In early December 2007, roughly 200 demonstrators gathered at mall fountain, where the tree had been displayed, and petitioned the company to reinstate the tree. Many of the protesters toted potted poinsettias.
The day after the protest, the mall’s manager released a statement reiterating that the tree would not be brought back.
But three days later, company officials reversed that decision.
“The community of Columbia has spoken and we heard loud and clear,” a new statement read. General Growth “is committed to this community and recognizes our role as trustees of the community’s legacies and traditions.”
The finishing touches on this year’s poinsettia display were completed this past Sunday, a mall spokeswoman said.
Janet Shinskie, a 40-year Columbia resident who helped organize last winter’s protest, said she was thrilled at the tree’s return, calling it “part of the fabric of Columbia.”
“It’s so beautiful, so different and so peaceful,” she said of the display. “There are so few traditions here and that was one of the things we looked forward to every year. ... Now everyone can enjoy it. It’s been part of the fabric of Columbia for so long.”
Fellow protester Sandy Carbotti, also a 40-year Columbia resident, commended General Growth’s decision to resurrect the tree.
“I think General Growth was very responsive to the community and I’m glad they brought it back,” she said.
The “tree” — a 30-foot conifer-shaped metal tower stacked with hundreds of red and white poinsettia plants — has been displayed in one of the mall’s courtyards each winter for more than 30 years, usually beginning around Thanksgiving.
Last winter, the mall’s owner, General Growth Properties Inc., replaced the tree with a new children’s holiday display called “Santastic.” The mall manager said the company was “looking to create new traditions,” and had donated the poinsettia tree frame to the Howard Hospital Foundation’s annual Symphony of Lights event at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
The change incensed many area residents. In early December 2007, roughly 200 demonstrators gathered at mall fountain, where the tree had been displayed, and petitioned the company to reinstate the tree. Many of the protesters toted potted poinsettias.
The day after the protest, the mall’s manager released a statement reiterating that the tree would not be brought back.
But three days later, company officials reversed that decision.
“The community of Columbia has spoken and we heard loud and clear,” a new statement read. General Growth “is committed to this community and recognizes our role as trustees of the community’s legacies and traditions.”
The finishing touches on this year’s poinsettia display were completed this past Sunday, a mall spokeswoman said.
Janet Shinskie, a 40-year Columbia resident who helped organize last winter’s protest, said she was thrilled at the tree’s return, calling it “part of the fabric of Columbia.”
“It’s so beautiful, so different and so peaceful,” she said of the display. “There are so few traditions here and that was one of the things we looked forward to every year. ... Now everyone can enjoy it. It’s been part of the fabric of Columbia for so long.”
Fellow protester Sandy Carbotti, also a 40-year Columbia resident, commended General Growth’s decision to resurrect the tree.
“I think General Growth was very responsive to the community and I’m glad they brought it back,” she said.
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