Haverhill's Christmas tree still stands

HAVERHILL, Mass., Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Haverhill, Mass., doesn't usually get a lot of attention, but the 30-foot Christmas tree downtown is generating some buzz, given that it's already February.

"Nice Christmas tree," someone yelled from a vehicle, driving past the city's pine, still covered in ornaments and lights, The (North Andover, Mass.) Eagle Tribune reported Sunday.

Some observers in Haverhill say the city needs to take action and put the tree away.

"It's way late," said Ed Bonarrigo, who works in Haverhill. "We take down our tree on about Jan. 15. Maybe they should, too."

Mayor James Fiorentini said he did not know why the tree was still up or when it will come down. He expects the new public works director, who starts in his new job Monday, will look into it.

"Poor Mike Stankovich will have a 24-hour day on Monday," said Forentini.