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Capitol Christmas tree from California arrives in DC
The arrival of the Capitol Christmas Tree from California.
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Kitty Felde/KPCC
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Capitol Christmas tree from California arrives in DC
Capitol Christmas tree from California arrives in DC
It’s an annual ritual: A very large Christmas tree, strapped to the top of a trailer, has just arrived at the U.S. Capitol. The Capitol Christmas tree is direct from California.
It’s a 65-foot white fir from the Stanislaus National Forest in the Sierra Nevadas. That’s in Republican Congressman Jeff Denham’s district. He says it’s great advertising. "We certainly feel that we’ve got some great trees in California and we market them that way," Denham said. "People want to buy not only California wood but California trees."
Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers says it’s called “The People’s Tree.” He says the tradition dates back to 1964. A few years later, a storm knocked down the tree that grew on the west lawn.
In 1970, a new tradition began, picking a tree from a U.S. Forest. This is the fourth time a California tree has been chosen.
Next Tuesday, a California kid will help House Speaker John Boehner light the tree, serenaded by a choir from the Golden State.
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