A Celebration of Colorado’s gift to the nation
On November 20, 2012, the U.S. Forest Service, with help from their nonprofit partner, Choose Outdoors, will be bringing the US Capitol Christmas Tree to Atlanta, Georgia. People of all ages are invited to come celebrate this annual holiday tradition.
On November 2, the 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be harvested in the White River National Forest, near Meeker, CO. The tree will then be wrapped and transported to Washington, D.C. on a custom-decorated Mack Pinnacle model truck which will be driven by former U.S. Senator, Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will to be on display at Lenox Square on November 20th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. This stop will be one of many along the tree’s 23-day tour across Colorado and the country on its way to the nation’s capital. All festivities with the Tree are open to the public and free for all to enjoy.
As the Tree travels the country, it will carry a message about sustainable forestry as well as invite people to assist with raising funds for the Forest Restoration Challenge. This challenge was set up to help areas impacted by the massive wildfires which devastated areas near Colorado Springs and Fort Collins in the spring of 2012. Those interested in donating can text any dollar amount to 303-502-5858. Donors will then be asked for some basic information to complete the donation.
Festivities being held while the Tree is in town will include the Great American Cookie Food Truck, Toys for Tots donations and more! Festivities will be hosted by radio personality Moby in the Morning.
“We are honored this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree will make a stop in Atlanta,” said Robin Suggs, Area Mall Manger for Lenox Square. “We are fortunate to be a part of this event and to have the opportunity to give back to our communities by partnering area organizations like Toys for Tots during the Atlanta event.”
Special events and opportunities to view the tree are being planned in every stop across the country. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be traveling with the Tree so be sure to have the little one’s bring their list so they can show Santa.
“We’re working with city officials and volunteers across the country to make the 2012 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour an unforgettable experience of both giving back and celebrating the holiday season,” said Bruce Ward, founder of Choose Outdoors.
Upon arrival in Washington, D.C., the tree will be placed on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol and decorated with more than 5,000 ornaments handmade by Colorado children depicting the tree’s theme, “Celebrating the Great Outdoors.” In early December, a tree lighting ceremony will take place and will be available for public viewing throughout the holiday season.
Costs associated with the tree’s transportation and tour events are made possible by contributions by individuals, corporations and local communities. Major sponsors include the Colorado Tourism Office, Mack Trucks and The National Association of Convenience Stores.
For more information on the Atlanta, Georgia tour stop, visit www.lenoxsquare.com. To track the tree’s route, visit www. CapitolChristmasTree2012.com or follow the tree on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
About Choose Outdoors:
Choose Outdoors is a coalition for outdoor recreation comprised of people and organizations who are passionate about outdoor recreation, support public lands, waters, and the agencies charged with their care. www.chooseoutdoors.org
About the White River National Forest:
The 2.3 million acre White River National Forest is located in west/central Colorado. Providing a vast array of outdoor recreation experiences, the White River hosts more than 9 million visitors per year and is the number one forest for recreation in the country. In addition to world-class recreation and abundant wildlife populations, the White River supports activities such as grazing, timber harvest, mining, and oil and gas development that are crucial to the economies of western Colorado.www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver
About the Toys for Tots Program:
Atlanta Toys for Tots is a local affiliate of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and helps needy families throughout the metro-Atlanta area by playing an active role in the development of one of the nation’s most valuable natural resources – children. The organization seeks to unite community members in a common cause each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign to better local communities in the future. Information regarding monetary donations and volunteer opportunities can be found on our website www.atlantatoysfortots.com.
