Amber, IA: Hula Hoop Tree Catches on Fire

I'd never heard of the Hula Hoop Tree in Amber, IA, until last night. Heck, I'd never heard of Amber, IA, until last night. It's an unincorporated community in Jones County that's somewhere between Anamosa and Monticello. It's small enough that wikipedia doesn't list the size of its population, but it's big enough to have hosted a successful pancake breakfast this morning.

Anyway, the community has rallied around its Hula Hoop Tree for months. Here is the story behind this unique tree: A storm passed through town and they noticed afterwards that there were two hula hoops up on the tree. According to one community member, they don't know if the hula hoops got blown on by the storm or if someone put them there. However, the community -- and the surrounding communities -- has embraced its Hula Hoop Tree. Apparently, there's at least fifty hula hoops on the tree -- as of 10/04/17.

It was reported that someone set the Hula Hoop Tree on fire Friday night, but fortunately it survived the experience:

Not a good morning for the Hula Hoop Tree in Amber. Last night someone set it on fire. Thanks to the Anamosa (Amber) Fire department they were able to save it. Everyone please keep an eye on the tree and call (911) if you see something suspicious. Keep the hopes and dreams alive!

As far as I'm aware, nobody has been arrested for setting fire to the tree. However, the community has rallied around their Hula Hoop Tree.