McMinnville has a perfectly imperfect Christmas tree.

The process to move a 35-foot Norway Spruce from Newtown to downtown started Monday and quickly hit a snag when the tree was dropped. The unfortunate accident broke several limbs and left gaps.

When the tree was placed on The Lot Tuesday morning, McMinnville Public Works Department assistant director Brad Hennessee voiced hesitancy for keeping it. 

“We knew we had some damage with this one,” he said. “There is no way to turn it and hide the damage. We may have to get another one.”

City employees went out on a limb and requested a momentary reprieve for the evergreen.

“They’re going to try to work a little Christmas magic on it,” said Hennessee. “We should know by noon if we need another tree. I have my doubts this is going to work.”

The repair included piecing some of the broken limbs back into place.

By 1 p.m., the decision was made to keep the tree.

“We are going to use the tree currently in place,” said Hennessee. “Our guys did quite a remarkable job repairing the damage sustained to the tree during cutting. It’s not back to original shape, but close. The city would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Newby for their donation. It was chosen from several that were offered to the city this year and we’d also like to thank those folks for their generosity.”

Gratitude was also expressed to McMinnville Electric System and McMinnville Public Works Department employees for their help in setting the tree.