Capitol Christmas tree will make Veterans Day stop in Coeur d’Alene

Tue., Nov. 1, 2016

By Becky Kramer beckyk@spokesman.com (509) 459-5466

The Capitol Christmas tree will make a stop in Coeur d’Alene during its 2,000-mile trip to Washington, D.C.

The 80-foot tall Engelmann spruce was selected from the Payette National Forest near McCall, Idaho.

The tree will be on display in Coeur d’Alene on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, onSherman Avenue between First and Second streets.

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer will give opening remarks, followed by music and ornament- and cookie-decorating for families. The city is working with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests on the event.

The Engelmann spruce is stopping for 25 community celebrations on its journey to the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony in early December. About 8,000 ornaments designed and created by Idaho residents, and smaller companion trees provided by the Idaho Christmas Tree Growers, will be used to decorate offices inside the U.S. Capitol building and other sites in Washington, D.C.

The tree’s transportation costs are paid for through donations.

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Capitol Christmas tree will make Veterans Day stop in Coeur d’Alene

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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