From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 13, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit Salida. As previously reported by Ark Valley Voice, the tree will be viewable on Jones Avenue between State Street and New Street. This viewing opportunity is a drive-thru event so residents may see the tree from the comfort of their vehicle.
Image courtesy of the Salida Chamber.
Heart of the Rockies Radio will be providing a live radio feed and participants are encouraged to decorate their vehicles with winter holiday themes. Face coverings and social distancing are required for anyone outdoors at the event.
The 55-foot-tall Engelmann Spruce was cut in the Uncompahgre National Forest and this is the start of a 2,000-mile journey to the nation’s capital for its time in the national spotlight.
Every year a different national forest is selected to provide the Capitol tree which will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest, in partnership with the nonprofit Choose Outdoors and Colorado Tourism will bring the tree to the Capitol. Once it arrives, the tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments made by Coloradoans and lit in early December.
The “People’s Tree” lights up the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Tanya Flores, Office of Communications.
Mayor P.T. Wood said “We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit Salida on its journey to Washington, D.C. Our community looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation and the joy it will bring to our own community this holiday.”
The initiative was made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies of all sizes as well as volunteers locally and across America.
2020 sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Apex Transportation, 42 Degrees North Media, Spireon, Inc., Hale Trailer, Chuck Leavell, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, STIHL, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Valley Crane, Red Wing Shoes, National Forest Foundation, Society of American Foresters, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Loki, Montrose County, Delta County, Seirus, TravelCenters of America, Bass Pro Shops, Citizens State Bank and Vesmir.
Click here to follow along online.
Thank you Sponsers for making This Historic Event The Christmas Tree coming thru Salida on its way to Washington D.C. We were so Honored to See it.Great Patriotism
everywhere.The GREAT Law Enforcement Escort was the Best ever. From Jennifer EARP- Adamson
Salida,CO