The 81-foot tall Engleman spruce tree was cut down a few weeks ago in the Kootenai National Forest of Montana. The tree has already traveled more than 2,000 miles across the northern tier of states, and starts this morning in Poplar Bluff at the Menard's parking lot.
This evening, the tree will be pulled into the Noble Park ball field parking lot, the same spot where it was on display last year. It will be available for viewing during the kickoff to Paducah Power System’s Christmas in the Park. Festivities include the lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm, followed by a Walk Under the Lights that will allow participants to see the lights up close. There is no charge for the tour but bringing canned goods or cash donations for local charity is appreciated.
“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 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 tree will leave Paducah on Thanksgiving morning, and there will be no more public stops for the rest of the route. The tree will arrive at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday the 26th, then will be installed on the U.S. Capitol lawn on the 27th, where it will be decorated.
On the Net:
Track the Tree websiteOfficial Capitol Christmas Tree web page
