Tree workers' determination remained unshaken despite two setbacks that crushed their efforts as they worked to erect a 25-foot artificial Christmas tree in the county square last week.

Despite those setbacks, the men refused to let anything stand in their way. They knew they had to get the tree ready in time for the big day Saturday.

"Every year, we get the Christmas tree

ready for the tree-lighting ceremony, which is held every year," explained Steve Rhoads, supervisor of the Building Grounds and Maintenance Department.

The employees were working to erect the towering faux fir in time for the Fayetteville Main Street's 12th annual Old Fashioned Tree Lighting ceremony, which will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Park in Stonewall Village. However, their routine operation turned out to be anything but routine after Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench into their plans.

Wind gusts caused the top of the tree to topple on Nov. 22, forcing employees to dissemble the tree with a bucket lift machine, repair it and put it back up again.

Their effort was strong, but it proved to be no match for Mother Nature.

But two days later, heavy rain coupled with 50 mph winds caused the top of the tree to topple on Nov. 24, forcing employees to go