For Release on May 11, 2011

No season generates more enthusiasm, heightened sense of good will and deeper traditions than the Christmas holiday season.

Early each December, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives hosts a lighting ceremony on the lawn of the United State Capitol Building. With a simple flip of a switch, powers the 10,000 LED lights that illuminate the tree.  Thousands find their way to the Capitol during the holidays to take in the sight of “The People’s Tree”.

The 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree will be harvested from the Stanislaus National Forest located in the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains of California near Yosemite National Park and the high country of Tuolumne County, Yosemite/Gold Rush Country.

It is estimated the tree finally selected will be approximately 60 feet (over 18 meters) tall, the size of a 6 story building. The initial unveiling of the tree will be at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, CA on November 5, 2011.

The Forest Service will select eight to 10 trees, and the U.S. Capitol Architect will make the final selection. Several aspects are taken into account during the selections, including the shape and fullness of the tree, its color and foliage condition, and species characteristics of needle retention and branch pliability. Access is also considered.

After the celebration at the fairgrounds on Nov. 5, the tree will be covered in a big box with an elaborate misting system for the long trip aboard a semi-truck to Washington, D.C., where it will be unveiled and lighted the Monday after Thanksgiving.

A second semi-truck will transport the 6,000 handmade ornaments and 100 companion trees from the Stanislaus that will be delivered to the Capitol and placed in federal offices, Congressional offices and the U.S. Supreme Court.

“California’s tree” will tour the state for 10 days before traveling across the country to Washington DC for another 10 days.  Numerous U.S. cities and towns will welcome and celebrate the tree along its journey.

In the 40+ year history of this tradition, this is the first time the National Tree has been selected from the Stanislaus National Forest (bordering Yosemite National Park) in California.

--- END ---

 USA



Contact: Sandy Gordon, tcvbmarketing@mlode.com, 209-533-4420 or 800-466-1333

YOSEMITE GOLD COUNTRY

Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau

PO Box 4020

Sonora, CA 95370-4020