“People’s Tree” will spread holiday joy on cross–country journey from California to Washington, D.C.
Williamsport, MD Nov, 16, 2021 – Every year, the USDA Forest Service selects one of its 154 national forests to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Six Rivers National Forest in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors will bring this special gift from California to Washington, D.C. for the 2021 holiday season. The Tree will make a special appearance in Williamsport on November 16, 2021 from 6-8pm in front of Town Hall on Conococheague Street.
Under the theme, Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree, the 84’ tall White Fir will be harvested on the Six Rivers National Forest on Oct. 25 and prepared for the 3,300-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of 25 outdoor community celebrations before being delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 19. The Tree will then be decorated with handmade ornaments and tree skirts specially created by Californians and lit in early December.
“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree campaign exists to connect people from across California and throughout the country to the outdoors and their public lands,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor for the Six Rivers National Forest. “We are honored to represent California national forests and bring the joy of the People’s Tree on its journey to Washington, D.C.”
Festivities during the tree’s visit to Williamsport on November 16, 2021 will include children’s activities, brief remarks from local public officials, hot cocoa, toy drive for Toys for Tots, canned food drive for the Williamsport Food Bank, food vendors, and more. Activities are open to the public and free for all to enjoy while following local health guidelines.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit Williamsport on its journey to Washington, D.C.” said Mayor William “Bill” Green. “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. It is a great way to kick off our holiday season in Williamsport this year.”
The initiative made possible with 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. 2021 sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, System Transport, ABC Sacramento, Spireon, Inc., PG&E, Hale Trailer, Mountain F Enterprises, Visit California, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Society of American Foresters, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Meritor, Inc., Coast Central Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, BT Metals, The Forest Foundation, Green Diamond Resource Company, Sierra Pacific Industries, Mendocino and Humboldt Redwood Companies, Trinity County, Verizon, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Bass Pro Shops, BERG Co, Vesmir, Gene Lucas Community Center, Dick Taylor Chocolates, Humboldt Craft Spirits, Humboldt Marketplace, and ChicoBag & To-Go Ware.
“We are grateful to the host cities such as Williamsport who play a vital role in bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration to life”, said Bruce Ward, President, Choose Outdoors.”
For more information on the Williamsport event, visit Main Street Williamsport’s Facebook page or www.williamsportmd.gov. For news, events and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
