U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Returns to Paducah
By West Kentucky Star Staff
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.