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Arizona’s beloved I-17 Mystery Tree, a roadside holiday tradition that began in 1989, has been a mystery for decades. The juniper tree on Interstate 17 near mile post 254 was decorated for Christmas every year, drawing the attention of motorists passing by. The Arizona Department of Transportation shared photos of the tree when it was all decked out, and it became a cherished holiday symbol in the area. However, in 2019, the tree fell victim to fire and hasn’t been decorated since.
Recently, the family behind the tradition revealed themselves, with Nancy Dittbrenner Loftis starting the tradition in the late 1980s to bring together family and friends. There are now discussions about creating a new, fire-proof holiday structure in its place to continue the tradition. Arizona’s official balladeer, Dolan Ellis, even wrote a song about the tree, hoping that someone will plant a new tree and continue the legacy of the I-17 Mystery Tree. For now, Ellis’ song remains a reminder of the beloved holiday tradition.
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Photo credit www.kjzz.org
