Monument Square in Portland holds tree-lighting ceremony [Video]

PORTLAND, Maine — Hundreds gathered Friday in Monument Square in Portland for the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony.

“I think this is a nice way for everyone to be connected,” Jody Martin, who was attending her third lighting, said. “I thought it would be great to come out here to start the Christmas season, the holiday season, here in Portland.” 

The tree, which was harvested off Hartley Street earlier this month, has drawn some heated criticism in the community for its lean shape and sparse branches. 

“That is without a doubt the worst looking tree ever presented to Portland. I would be embarrassed to put it up,” one commenter wrote on the city’s Facebook page. 

“Portland please to better,” another wrote. 

But organizers of Friday’s event said they were …