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 Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and Colorado Tourism will bring this special gift from Colorado to Washington, D.C. for the 2020 holiday season. Ten communities will host special viewings of the tree along the way, including a special appearance in Salida on Friday, November 13th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Salida High School along Jones Avenue between State Street and New Street (behind Ace Hardware).
This viewing opportunity will be a “Drive-Thru Event” meaning that residents are encouraged to view the Christmas tree from the comfort of their vehicles as they drive along Jones Ave (entering from State St. and exiting at New St.). Heart of the Rockies Radio will be providing a live radio feed, and participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles in a fun winter holiday theme for their trip around the tree. Face coverings and social distancing will be required for anyone outdoors at the event.
Under the theme, Experience Your Nature, the 55’ tall Engelmann Spruce will be cut on the Uncompahgre National Forest on Nov. 5th and prepared for the nearly 2,000 mile expedition. The journey will include a series of 10 outdoor community celebrations primarily within the state of Colorado and will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 20th. The tree will then be decorated by handmade ornaments specially created by Coloradans and lit in early December.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit Salida on its journey to Washington, D.C.” said P.T. Wood, Mayor of Salida. “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 initiative 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. 2020 sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Apex Transportation, 42 Degrees North Media, Spireon, Inc., Hale Trailer, Chuck Leavell, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, STIHL, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Valley Crane, Red Wing Shoes, National Forest Foundation, Society of American Foresters, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Loki, Montrose County, Delta County, Seirus, TravelCenters of America, Bass Pro Shops, Citizens State Bank and Vesmir. Follow along online at uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.
“We are grateful to the host cities such as Salida who play a vital part of bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration”, said Bruce Ward, President, Choose Outdoors.”
For more information on the Salida event, visit www.cityofsalida.com. For news, events and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.
