New London — Following a grassroots effort fueled through social media to decorate the city's Christmas tree, the mayor has sanctioned an impromptu gathering Saturday to hang ornaments on the downtown tree.

"I have heard from many people in our City who are not happy about the state of New London's Christmas Tree at Parade Plaza," Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio posted on the Office of the Mayor Facebook page Tuesday afternoon. "... I must say, I myself am not a fan."

Editor's note: This version updates an earlier version in which Finizio misspoke about who was responsible for decorating the tree. The city and Public Works Department set up the tree.

Day staffer Rick Koster wrote about the sorry looking tree in a column and posted a video Monday on theday.com of himself hanging a single ornament on the tree, which has a hodgepodge of blue and white lights and no ornaments.

A Trim the Community Christmas Tree Facebook page was created Tuesday and the public was invited to bring an ornament to the Parade Plaza at noon Saturday.

"I know many people are posting pictures and messages to go down and put ornaments on the tree," he said. "This may not be safe and I want to be sure this is done in a coordinated way."

Finizio said the city's Office of Development and Planning, Public Works, fire and police departments will be at the parade to ensure public safety. Details of the event will be posted Wednesday, he said.

"This event will be open to the entire community," he said. "This is your tree!"