The University will purchase this year’s Candlelight Celebration “Giving Tree” from a local vendor for the first time since the celebration began in 1995, said Nancy Little, University relations marketing strategist.”I really wanted to focus on Louisiana vendors and companies that can help us put on the event,” Little said.The tree will be purchased from Two Roosters Tree Farm, located in Ethel, La., Little said.Previous trees were purchased from tree farms in Washington and Oregon for about $6,000, but this year’s tree will cost about $500 after delivery, Little said.The tree, a 15-year-old red cedar, is relatively native to Louisiana and will grow about 25 feet tall, said James Cox, owner of Two Roosters Tree Farm.
 
—-Contact Kristen M’lissa Rowlett at [email protected]