Episode 34: The Elves

Mystery Category: Holiday Mysteries / Local Traditions

The Story: Arizona might not seem like the typical setting for holiday magic, but for decades, a scrubby juniper tree on I-17 was mysteriously decorated every Christmas. We look at the "elves" who braved the desert highway and a fire to keep a miracle alive.

Arizona might not seem like the typical setting for holiday magic, but for decades, some mysterious local “elves” have turned a  spherical, scrubby-looking desert juniper out on I-17 into what has to have been one of America’s more unlikely Christmas spectacles; but who are they, and why are they so determined to light up the lonely landscape? 

Hosted and Written  by Laurah Norton

Researched by Bryan Worters and Laurah Norton

Engineered,  Scored, Edited, and Produced by Maura Currie 

Sources on our website: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/

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N/A, “Mystery Surrounds Tree. . .” ADOT, 2011.

AZ FAMILY NEWS STAFF, “Santa’s Helpers Decorate. . .”  AZ FAMILY, 2018.

KNPX STAFF, “The Mystery of the. . .” 12 News, 2016.

“Cordes Junction, Arizona: Mystery Christmas Tree.” Roadside America.

Audrey Jensen, “Famous Tree on I-17. . .” The Arizona Republic, 2020.

N/A, AP, “Decorated Juniper a Mystery,” The Tucson Press, 1995. 

Leolinda Bowers, “Northern Arizona Highway. . .” Active Rain, 2009. 

Dennis Wagner, “The Humble Tree. . .” The Arizona Republic, 2011.

The Prescott Times, Facebook, 2020.

Rebecca  Thomas, “Decorator of I-17. . .” CBS-5, 2013.

Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, “Did You Know: The I-17. . . “ KJZZ, 2013.

Laurie Merrill, “VIDEO: Arizona’s Official Balladeer. . .” ADOT, 2019.

Andrew Oxford, “Famous Tree on I-17 Hurt. . .”  The Arizona Republic, 2019.

Dollan Ellis, “What History Has Taught Us,” Trust West Magazine, 2019.

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Episode 35: The Flying Men

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Episode 33: The Abduction