Chattanooga is one of 25 communities selected for a stop as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree makes its way from New Mexico to Washington, D.C.
Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Carson National Forest in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors will bring this special tree from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. for the 2019 season, involving more than 25 communities along the way including an appearance in Chattanooga’s Miller Park on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Under the theme of Delivering Enchantment, the 60-foot tall blue spruce will be cut on the Questa Ranger District on Nov. 6 and prepared for the 2,000-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of community celebrations Nov. 11-25 throughout New Mexico and across the U.S. and culminate with the official tree lighting on the West Lawn in early December. Smaller companion trees also will be provided to decorate offices inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 10,000 handmade ornaments created by New Mexicans.
Festivities during the tree’s visit to Chattanooga on Nov. 21 will include a Holiday Market at Miller Park and remarks from local officials. Activities are open to the public and free for all to enjoy. The Holiday Market at Miller Park will be open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and include music from Dan Pinson and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit Chattanooga on its journey to Washington, D.C.” said Erskine Oglesby, Chattanooga city council chairman. “Our community looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation and the joy it will bring to our own community this holiday.”
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide support of time and resources. Sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Wilbanks Trucking Services, LLC, Spireon, Inc., Elvis Duran & Alex Carr, Hale Trailer, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Alaska Airlines, Meritor, PNM Resources, TravelCenters of America, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Taos County, New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, National Forest Foundation, Christmas Tree Promotion Board, National Press Club and LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc.
“We are grateful to the host cities, such as Chattanooga, who play a vital part of bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration,” said Bruce Ward, president, Choose Outdoors.
For news, events and tour information, and to track the tree cross-country, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.