Why is There a Tree On Top of the New Sedalia Fire Department Station?

If you are driving down 16th Street from Highway 65 to Thompson Blvd., you may notice a tree on top of the construction site of the Sedalia Fire Department. I've had countless people ask me what that is about, and we now have the answer for it.

It is not because of Christmas in July. Apparently there is a worldwide custom that is done by construction companies called "topping out." This is a builder's rite ceremony that represents when the last beam is placed at the top of the building.

According to the City of Sedalia Facebook Page:

This tree is said to bring good luck to the building's future inhabitants. This custom started in Scandinavia around 700 AD and is most common on large construction like skyscrapers and bridges.

The tree has certainly brought a lot of conversation, but it's always nice to see a tradition.

The Sedalia Fire Department station is still on target to be finished by the end of this year.