Community fills a tree with traps

“We told the kids to take whatever colors they want and go to work,’’ said David Brooks, a founder of Art Haven, a nonprofit community arts group. “Some of the buoys are insane.’’

A red-and-yellow buoy is a bit of an ode to fishermen: “Joy to the fishers in the deep blue sea . . . Love to Glostah.’’ Anchors and a ship’s wheel, painted white on sky blue, adorn another. A round orange-and-blue buoy states, “Thank You Gloucester Coast Guard.’’ Art Haven will auction the wooden and foam buoys, donated to them by local marine shops, at a fund-raiser on Jan. 29.

“Just being able to paint a buoy for the tree is very special for the kids,’’ Brooks said.

It takes all hands on deck to build The Lobster Trap Tree. Materials are donated by local lobstermen, businesses, and residents. But it takes hours to plan and coordinate everything from hauling the traps to flicking the switch at the tree lighting. A crew of about 25 built the tree over two days, starting the day after Thanksgiving in the rain.

“There is always a new face who shows up to help,’’ said Jeff Worthley, a former city councilor, who coordinates the volunteers. “This year we had the best crew. We built the best tree.’’

This year’s tree has 524 lobster traps. It took about 40 hours to build, with the crew carefully positioning the traps. It has about 25 traps at the base.

John Sultan, a second-generation lobsterman, donated 50 yellow traps.

“One of mine is on the very top,’’ said Sultan, 26. “It was pretty funny to look up and see it.’’

A star woven of lobster trap wire, made by residents Russell and Melissa Hobbs, was added to the top this year. The tree, placed outside the police station, has helped to spruce up downtown in a special season.

“I am a true believer in the American Main Street,’’ said Janice Lufkin Shea, owner of The Cormorant Shop. “You always want downtown to be a fun place.’’