Portland's holiday tree arrived in Monument Square today. The 45-foot blue spruce was donated by Joyce Smith of Gorham. Her children planted it three decades earlier, but its current size was a bit too big for her front yard.

The tree's arrival in Monument Square was scheduled for 10:30 am, which is when I arrived. But the tree was nowhere in sight. Which was fine, as it gave me time to shop at the farmers' market.

The farmers had plenty of late season vegetables, along with wonderful holiday decorations such as wreaths, swags and winter berries. Sadly, the market is almost done for the season, with this Saturday's and next Wednesday's markets the last for the year. Of course, die-hard locavores will be signing up for the winter farmers' market.

Once my shopping was done, the tree had arrived. Super, I thought, as my hands were already going numb and my toes were beginning to tingle. So I milled about for a while, snapping shots of the prostrate tree. Then my camera batteries died (likely sucked dead from the Arctic wind chill).

So I headed inside the Public Market House, where I scored new batteries and ordered a falafel sandwich. Then I planted myself at the tables near the window to keep an eye on the still stationary tree without freezing to death.

That's when I suddenly saw one of the cranes begin to move. So I dashed back outside and started snapping photos before I figured out they were only moving the United Way fundraising sign. Turns out, the main crane was having technical difficulties and another was on the way.

This is when I realized the only people crazy enough to be standing around in this weather watching the non-moving tree were either involved in the tree hoisting operation or a member of the media. Lacking the proper winter gear that Mike from WGME-13 was smart enough to wear, I went back inside the Public Market House. To wait. And wait some more.

Finally - around 12:15 - a new crane arrived and things started to happen.

For a few moments the tree swung through the air.

Then the city staff and the volunteers from Keely Crane Service and Maietta Construction planted the tree firmly in an open manhole and the drama was over as quickly as it started.

But the real fun takes place next Friday, Nov. 28 at 5:30 pm when a crowd will gather for the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This year's festivities include performances by the Maine State Ballet, the Portland Conservatory of Music and Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band. Let's hope the weather will be a lot warmer.