PADUCAH, KY - For the second year in a row, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will make an overnight stop in Paducah during its trek from Montana to Washington, D.C.

Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide the tree that appears on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the Christmas season. This year's tree will be cut down in November in the Kootenai National Forest in Montana, to begin a journey involving more than fifteen communities along the way.

The tree will arrive here on Wednesday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Eve) and will be available for viewing during the kickoff to Paducah Power System’s Christmas in the Park. Festivities during the tree’s visit will include the lighting ceremony for Christmas in the Park at 5:30 pm, followed by a Walk Under the Lights that will allow participants to see the lights up close.

“We are thrilled that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit Paducah for a second year,” said Andrea Underwood, Director of Community Relations for Paducah Power System. “The visit and lighting ceremony on the night before Thanksgiving gives families an opportunity to kick off the holiday season in a special way.”

Independence Bank will sponsor horse drawn trolley rides by John’s Pass Carriage Company. Lone Oak First Baptist Church will provide a shuttle service from the Park Avenue Kroger parking lot. All activities are free and open to the public.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is made possible thanks to companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources. The tree will be cut in November and prepared for the more than 2,000-mile expedition, which includes a series of community celebrations and culminates with the official tree lighting 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 ornaments created by Montanans.

For related news, events and tour information, and to track the tree cross-country, visit www.capitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.