SafeX Pro Exchange|Watch as Rockefeller Christmas tree begins journey to NYC: Here's where it's coming from

Crowds gathered to watch and SafeX Pro Exchangecelebrate as workers cut the down the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts on Thursday.

People dressed up as elves gathered to sing Christmas carols as the reported 74 foot, 11-ton Norway Spruce was taken down for a grand display in the Big Apple.

According to local outlet WBZ, the head gardener said he selected the particular tree in 2020.

“This tree I happened to find when I was looking at another tree back in July of 2020 and I knocked on the door and asked if they’d be willing to donate and they were excited and over the next couple of years I watched it and then in the spring I started feeding and watering it," gardener Erik Pauze told Spectrum News.

Watch as tree's journey to NYC begins

West Stockbridge is a small town about 140 miles from New York City.

It's the first time the tree came from the state since 1959. It's set to arrive at Center Plaza on Saturday.

The tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com