Nashville, Tennessee:
Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. This year, the Carson National Forest in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors will bring this special gift — a 60-foot tall Blue Spruce — from New Mexico to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also called “The People’s Tree,” will make special stops in 25 communities throughout the country during its 2,000-mile trek. Join the Truckload Carriers Association, Trekker Logistics, and the Nashville Predators for a whistle-stop — a free, public event — from 5 to 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, November 21 at Bridgestone Arena Plaza, located at 5th Ave. and Broadway in downtown Nashville.
Festivities during the whistle-stop will include live music from Nashville recording artists and local children’s choir, hot cocoa, and cookies, remarks by public officials and sponsors, as well as commemorative ornaments for purchase.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit Nashville on its journey to the nation’s capital,” said Trekker Logistics’ CEO and Owner and Truckload Carriers Association’s Chairman Josh Kaburick.
The tree’s journey will culminate with the official tree lighting on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in early December. Smaller companion trees also will be provided to decorate offices inside of the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 10,000 handmade ornaments created by New Mexicans.
“We are grateful to the host cities, such as Nashville, who play a vital part of bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration,” said Choose Outdoors President Bruce Ward.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is made possible by cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources.
For more information, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com. To view photos of the tree’s journey, visit www.facebook.com/USCapitolChristmasTree.
Those who attend the Nashville whistle stop are encouraged to use the hashtag #CCTNashville on social media networks.