The holidays have come to Alna again and, this year, to its dam. Head Tide Dam has a decorated tree tied to the platform that in 2019 helped replace an abutment and make more room for the fish to get through.

“We are informally calling it the ‘Dam Tree’ but yes, it's a holiday lights/winter solstice tree to bring light and cheer to the townspeople of Alna during these darkest days of the year,” recreation committee member Anne Simpson wrote in a Saturday email response to questions.

Wiscasset Newspaper first reported in September the site might be decorated, an idea floated in a Zoom selectmen’s meeting. Saturday, Simpson explained the tree is the lone item planned this year, “but we may expand a little in future years if folks like the idea of decorations at the dam site.” Lights are minimal, to avoid impacting aquatic life, she added.

Simpson said fellow Alna volunteer firefighter Paul Crandall thought clothespins would help keep the lights in place. She said he donated the tree and lights and made the star that tops the tree. Reached via email Sunday, Crandall said he bought the tree from American Legion Post of Damariscotta, where he is a member.