U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to visit Lawrenceville

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 gift from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. for the 2019 season, involving more than 25 communities along the way including an appearance in Lawrenceville, Ga., from 5-7pm at BassPro Shops, which is located at 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway.  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 Lawrenceville on Nov. 20, at 5pm will include appearances by Smokey Bear and U.S. Forest Service leaders, a visit with Santa Claus, ornament decorating, wreath making, hot cocoa and cookies, live music and more. Activities are open to the public and free for all to enjoy. “We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit Lawrenceville on its journey to Washington, D.C.” said Thomas Dozier, District Ranger for the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. “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 vital 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.  Pictured are local residents and officials attending the cutting ceremony at the Carson National Forest. USDA Forest Service photo by Shayne Martin, Deputy Director, Communication and Engagement, Southwestern Region.