Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Set for Tuesday

The west lawn of the Capitol will have an extra special glow as the city lights up the Capitol Christmas Tree for the first time this season.

Last week, the 88-foot Engelmann spruce arrived in the nation's capital after a long journey from a national park in Washington state. It is the second tallest tree ever used at the Capitol.

The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The tree will be lit nightly from dusk until 11 p.m.

The tree has been decked with more than 5,000 handmade ornaments from children across the country reflecting the theme "Sharing Washington's Good Nature."

The U.S. Forest Service is in charge of cutting and maintaining the tree. Donations cover the cost of transporting the tree across the country. This year's lead sponsors included the Truckload Carriers Association, Mack Trucks, the National Association of Convenience Stores and the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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