See National Christmas Tree Nov. 22 in Paducah

In case you haven't heard, the city of Paducah will welcome the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on Tuesday, November 22 as it travels from the Payette National Forest in Idaho to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

A free, family-friendly event is set for November 22, between 9-11 am in the parking lot next to Noble Park's baseball fields. The Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau says people can sign the banner that travels with the National Tree. The banner will be displayed as part of the holiday exhibit in Washington, D.C.

Other activities that day will include a visit from Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo opportunities with the tree will be provided by the Forest Service, along with interpretive displays, nature stations and commemorative souvenirs. Holiday music will be provided by area schools.

The Capitol tree has been provided for almost 50 years by the U.S. Forest Service, and this year's 80–foot Engelmann Spruce will be cut on November 2 near McCall, Idaho and prepared for the 2,000-mile trip. Paducah's proximity to two U.S. Forest Service units — the Shawnee National Forest and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area — gave the city the chance to host the tree.

Learn more and track the tree along its route at www.capitolchristmastree.com.

For more information on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree event in Paducah, contact Paducah Parks Services at 270-444-8508.