Hundreds get a peek at the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree during stop in Paducah

Western Kentucky is ready for Christmas, judging by the large crowd that attended Friday's Paducah whistle stop of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree on its way to Washington, D.C.

The tree was a breathtaking sight, even lying on its side in the specially designed 100-foot long display semi trailer. The 53-foot tall red fir, nicknamed "Silver Belle", was harvested on public land in Nevada last month and began its 3700-mile tour on Nov. 1. 

On Friday, the convoy left St. Louis and crossed the Wickliffe Cairo bridge, where it was escorted by several local law enforcement and forestry agencies into Paducah. It carefully wound its way downtown to the Farmer's Market where it joined vendor tents, musicians and Santa Claus to let the crowd sign giant banners already covered with thousands of greetings from well-wishers along the way.  (See photos of the Paducah stop here )

The 50-year-old tree has only one more tour stop in Lexington before it's delivered to Joint Base Andrews, for preparation to be delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 20.


Photos and tour info: uscapitolchristmastree.com