Thank You Wyoming!

Friday, November 19, 2010 - Today was our last day in the great state of Wyoming. After ten days and more than 22 stops, it is time for the Tree to carry onwards to Washington, DC. Tens of thousands of folks across the state had the opportunity to see the Tree and sign the banners we are taking with us to Washington.

The pride and excitement of the people of Wyoming over our Tree has been truly spectacular. Everyone who we talk to who has been involved with the Capitol Christmas Tree in previous years says the enthusiasm of the people of Wyoming over our Tree is unparallelled. We tip our hats to the people of Wyoming and thank you for your energy, hospitality and excitement.

The folks in Sundance had a great celebration to send us off on our cross-country journey! Hundreds of residents from Sundance and the surrounding communities showed up to sign the banners and wish us well.

Children sang carols at the celebration in Sundance.

Smokey the Bear greets kids in Sundance.

Also on hand were the Sundance Methodist Church Bell Choir. Check out this video below of them performing at the community event!

In Sundance, Family Career Community Leadership of America students made special cowboy boot cookies for the celebration.

The Team raises their cowboy boot cookies in honor of the end of our Wyoming journey!

After heading out of Wyoming in the morning, none of us were sure what to expect in the rest of the country. The crowds in Wyoming have been so large and energized, but we weren't sure how they would be outside our state. However, we are happy to report that South Dakota gave Wyoming's Tree a warm welcome today! We visited Spearfish, Sturgis and Chamberlin today where many school groups and families came out to see the Tree.

Sturgis Elementary Choir came by to sing in front of the Tree.

We had a small challenge when we arrived in Chamberlin, South Dakota later in the day. The Tree could not make the turns necessary to get into the community. So after much strategizing, we ended up parking the Tree at a rest stop just outside of Chamberlin. Nonetheless, residents of the surrounding community came to us and were still able to see the Tree. When you are traveling with a 105-foot trailer, you are bound to have a few challenges, but we so appreciate the people of Chamberlin working with us!

Despite the location change, the people of Chamberlin still showed up to see the Tree.

A Special Thanks to the Cenex FCA Country Store!

Due to the uncontrollable Wyoming winds, we missed our celebration at the Cenex FCA Country Store in Gillette last night! So Team Tree made an early morning visit to the store to fuel up! Thanks to FCA Site Manager Jim Oswalt and his team for taking such great care of us!

Team Tree and FCA Site Manager Jim Oswalt in Gillette.