A 75-foot-long engelmann spruce, destined to become a Christmas tree on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, will make a stop in Springfield today (11/21) on its way to Washington D.C.
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium have been chosen to be a whistle stop for the evergreen as it makes it way from the Kootenai National Forest in Montana to the capitol.
A community celebration will be held today from 4 to 8 in the Bass Pro parking lot, 1935 S. Campbell, with live reindeer, outdoor cooking demonstrations and Christmas crafts and carols.
Performers will include the Republic High School Marching Band and the City/County Singers.
A large banner on the side of the truck hauling the tree will allow event attendees the chance to sign and wish the tree a safe journey.
According to the website, capitolchristmastree.com, since 1970, a different national forest has been chosen annually to provide what's known as "The People's Tree."
