After more than 3,000 miles, the “People’s Tree” from the Willamette National Forest has arrived at the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Oregon’s natural beauty was in the national spotlight Thursday evening during the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol West Lawn.
The 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested from the Willamette National Forest near Sweet Home, Oregon and was delivered to the United States Capitol west lawn in Washington D.C. The long journey of “The People’s Tree” covered over 3,000 miles and took two weeks of travel while visiting almost 30 small towns and communities.
After winning the “Find Your Trail” themed essay contest for fourth-graders, Hillsboro student Brigette Harrington had the honor representing Oregon while helping decorate and lighting the Capital Christmas Tree, alongside Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan.
This public event marks the culmination of Oregon’s yearlong U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project that highlighted Oregon’s natural beauty, public lands and the Oregon Trail. The project kicked off in January 2018 in Sweet Home, with the announcement that the Willamette National Forest had been selected to provide the 2018 “People’s Tree.” .
Adorning the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree are 10,000 ornaments that were handcrafted by Oregonians across the state, including students, church groups and senior citizens throughout the year. In addition, 73 smaller companion trees from Oregon have been placed in government buildings and public spaces.
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