U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The Tree on its way out of Bridger-Teton National Forest

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Tree Has Arrived!

Monday, November 29, 2010 - The Tree made it!

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was officially handed over to the Architect of the Capitol today. It was a long and joyous day for all of us on the team and many folks from throughout the state of Wyoming who shared in this journey with us.

The team left Hershey Park this morning at midnight and headed to the 4-H Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland. There, we removed the banner and prepped the trucks for the final leg of our journey.

Josh and Greg remove the banner from the truck.

Mary Ann, driver Jeff Underwood's daughter who joined us in Dahlonega, helps Officer Whitehair and Mary roll up the banner.

After we were done staging in Chevy Chase, we were escorted into Washington by the Capitol police. After being checked out by the police dogs, we began the process of taking the tarp off the tree and dismantling the box.



Team Tree removes the tarp and dismantles the truck early in the morning.
While it was 4:00 in the morning, we were all energized by the excitement of finally delivering the Tree. When we pulled up to the Capitol and saw Wyoming's Tree parked in front of it, our journey felt complete.

Wyoming's perfect Tree parked in front of the U.S. Capitol.

Team Tree poses for one last photo with the Tree before turning it over to the Capitol.

We posed for a few last photos before we officially turned the Tree over to the Architect of the Capitol, Stephen Ayers, at 9:55 a.m. On hand to welcome the Tree to Washington was U.S. Senators Michael Enzi and John Barrasso, who requested that Wyoming have the opportunity to gift the Tree to the Capitol for the first time ever.

The Tree pulls into the U.S. Capitol.

Wyoming's Tree right before it is removed from the truck and erected on the west lawn.


CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek, Senator John Barrasso and Senator Mike Enzi.

Our driver Jeff Underwood picked up his family in Dahlonega and his wife Cindy and two children Samuel and Mary Ann were there today. The whole family rode into the Capitol together to deliver the 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

Jeff, his wife Cindy and children Samuel and Mary Ann before delivering the Tree to the U.S. Capitol.


After the press conference, the Architect of the Capitol's office began the process of lifting the Tree of the truck and placing onto the west lawn. A crane was used to lift and suspend the Tree and then lower it into a five-foot hole where it was sealed in with cement.




Seeing the Tree lowered into its new home on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief. Our beautiful Tree will now be decorated with the more than 5,000 ornaments handmade by the people of Wyoming. The official lighting will be next Tuesday, December 7.

Stay tuned for updates this week as we deliver companion trees to other offices and prep for the lighting next week!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

We're Almost to Washington!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 - After 19 days, more than 35 celebrations and 4,800 miles, today marks the last day of our journey across country. To say it has been an incredible experience for all of us would be an understatement.

The excitement and enthusiasm of the people of Wyoming over our Tree has been spectacular. The Tree really represents the very best of the Cowboy State and we certainly have a lot to be proud of. Tomorrow morning Wyoming will be presenting our nation's capital with a spectacular Tree and the well wishes of people from across our state and around the country.

Today we spent the day staging the trucks for our arrival bright and early at the Capitol. We leave tonight at midnight to head to the Fairgrounds at Chevy Chase where we will be scoped out by Capitol police and escorted onto the premises. From there, we wait it out until the Tree is officially presented to the Architect of the Capitol at 9:55 a.m. Senator John Barrasso, who requested that Wyoming be able to gift the Tree this year, will be on hand to accept the Tree at the Capitol.

CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek talks about the end of our journey and presenting the Tree to the Capitol tomorrow morning.


Once the Tree is turned over to the Capitol, they will have a week to put the Tree up and decorate it. Be sure to stay tuned to the blog and Facebook page to see updates on the Tree being decorated in Washington and the official lighting on December 7!

A Sweet Celebration at Hershey Park

Saturday, November 27, 2010 - The Tree and its team arrived at Hershey Park today for a very sweet celebration!

President of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Bill Simpson welcomed the Capitol Christmas Tree today to Hershey Park. This was the first time the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has ever stopped at the park. At the celebration was a band from Hershey Park and a few colorful characters.



CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek spoke about the Tree and its long cross-country journey before being presented with an enormous Hershey bar in honor of the Tree's visit.



Team Tree and new friends from Hershey Park.
A huge thank you to all the wonderful folks at Hershey for taking such great care of the Tree and the team! If you are in the area, stop by and see the Tree at the park today!

NACS Roadside Stop - Special Thanks!

On the way to Hershey Park, the Tree stopped at Sheetz in Mount Jackson to refuel. The store had free t-shirts and giveaways for customers in honor of our stop. Unfortunately, the hummer below was not one of the giveaways. A special thank you to the entire team there for hosting us!

Friday, November 26, 2010

The Tree Hits the East Coast

Friday, November 26, 2010 - The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree made its way up the east coast today, signaling the final leg of our nearly three week journey. The Tree will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol bright and early Monday morning leaving us with only two more stops after today. We cannot believe how quickly the trip has flown by!

We made our first pit-stop this morning in Troutman, North Carolina where we visited Wilco Travel Center. The incredible staff there actually had lunch waiting for us upon arrival along with snacks for the road. I realize I may sound like a broken record, but the thoughtfulness and generosity of all the people we meet along the way is just incredible. We must be the best fed and most well taken care of group in the country! Check out this video of our new friends at the Wilco Travel Plaza in Troutman, North Carolina.


After fueling up, we made our way to Staunton, Virginia. The Salvation Army handed out beverages to the crowd and a local radio station provided Christmas music at the celebration. Hundreds of folks showed up to see the Tree and we were delighted to have the opportunity to talk about the Tree and the great state of Wyoming. We were also fortunate to have the City of Staunton Fire and Rescue come water the Tree for us.

The crowd in Staunton, Virginia.

The City of Staunton Fire and Rescue came by to help us water the Tree.

Performers from the Stauton Academy of Ballet came by to see the Tree after a performance in their Nutcracker costumes!
After dinner, the team checked in to the Comfort Inn in Staunton where kind notes and bags of candy awaited us! Thank you to the Comfort Inn for making our stay so special!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Dahlonega: Our Home Away from Home

Thursday, November 25, 2010 - It's Thanksgiving Day and Team Tree is here in Dahlonega, Georgia. Spending the holiday away from all of our families is not easy, but the people of Dahlonega have gone out of their way to make us feel right at home. Their incredible hospitality and generosity was apparent throughout the day.

We started out today with a fishing trip to Lanier Lake. A group of locals volunteered to take the entire team out bright and early. It was a great break for all of us and gave us the opportunity to see more of the beautiful area!

Team Tree and our new fishing partners at Lake Lanier.

Of course no fishing trip would be complete without a little friendly competition, so we were each paired up with one of locals. And wouldn't you know it, it was one of the gals who took the crown. Sorry boys!

Weighing our catches!

The blonde blogger couldn't resist the opportunity to brag a little about her victory with her partner Jim.
After our fishing trip, we headed back into town where the Dahlonega-Lumpkin Chamber of Commerce had arranged a very special Thanksgiving meal for the whole team. Members of the local community cooked a feast for the team! We are so appreciative of everyone who volunteered their time to ensure we had a special Thanksgiving away from home. It meant a great deal to all of us.

Enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with residents of Dahlonega.

When I was talking with our driver Jeff Underwood, who is a native of Dahlonega, about
the incredible hospitality and welcome we have received here, he said that he experienced the exact same thing in Wyoming. The people of Wyoming welcomed Jeff the same way the people of Dahlonega have welcomed us. While I know this is going to sound pretty cheesy, the Tree really does seem to bring out the very best in people. And for those of us fortunate enough to see it firsthand, it has been an incredible experience.

Thank you so much to all the people who gave up time with their families today to take us fishing, cook us a delicious Thanksgiving meal and make us feel right at home here in Georgia. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Dahlonega!

Thursday, November 25, 2010 - Team Tree wishes everyone across the country a safe and happy Thanksgiving!


Dahlonega Welcomes the Tree

Wednesday, Novemer 24, 2010 - The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and its Team learned the meaning of southern hospitality today when we arrived in Dahlonega, Georgia. We were absolutely blown away by the welcome we received. Thousands of people lined the streets of Dahlonega to see the Capitol Christmas Tree as we made our way into town.

Thousands of onlookers packed Main Street to see the Tree and drivers Jeff Underwood and Mark Fortner.

The excitement had been building all day. Our wonderful drivers Jeff Underwood and Mark Fortner are from Dahlonega and they had been anxiously awaiting their homecoming for days. As we crossed into the county line, Mark yelled over the CB - "We're home!" As we quickly made our way to Main Street, we saw more and more people lining the roads hoping to catch a glimpse of the Tree, or perhaps just newly minted rock star Jeff Underwood.

It is hard to describe the fanfare that occurred when we pulled into town. The narrow Main Street was packed with thousands of onlookers and the surrounding trees and buildings were adorned with beautiful white Christmas lights. When native son Jeff Underwood climbed down from his truck, he was greeted by thunderous applause and huge hugs from his family members. It was nearly impossible not to tear up watching someone fulfill a lifelong dream and receive such a unbelievable homecoming at the end of their journey.




It took quite some time for Jeff to be able to peel himself away from the mass of people who greeted him when he climbed out of his truck, as well as all of the TV cameras, but Jeff made his way to the main stage where he was honored by his hometown. November 24, 2010 was officially named "Jeff Underwood Day" in Dahlonega.


Dahlonega rolled out the red carpet for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

Jeff visits with elected officials and citizensof Dahlonega upon arrival into town.

Mark Fortner visits with friends and family in Dahlonega.
After the celebration, the Chamber of Commerce had a delicious dinner waiting for us and wonderful hotel accomodations Thank you to the people of Dahlonega for showing this Wyoming crew southern hospitality at its best!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Heading to Dahlonega!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - The Tree arrives in Dahlonega, Georgia today - the hometown of our wonderful drivers Jeff Underwood and Mark Fortner! After the celebration in town tonight, the Tree and the team will spend Thanksgiving together in Dahlonega. We can't wait to see you all in Georgia!


Special thanks to the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of the Capitol Christmas Tree!

Hanging Out (and by that we mean eating) in Memphis

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - Today we had a day off in Memphis with no scheduled celebrations or events. Truth be told, the Tree needed a day away from the team. We can be a little difficult, demanding and tough to haul around, so we wanted to give the Tree some space.

Of course being in Memphis we made finding the best ribs in town a top priority. Team Tree made it to BB Kings Blues Club and Rendezvous to eat, while of course working diligently!

Justin Kaber and Greg Clark on the trolley in Memphis.

Law Enforcement Officer Phelan Whitehair, Josh Sorenson and driver Jeff Underwood discuss the next days route.

Team Tree enjoying ribs at Rendezvous.

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Tree Arrives in Memphis

Monday, November 22, 2010 - The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Memphis today! It was a long drive from Columbia, Missouri to Memphis, but the Tree and the team made it in one piece!

We were greeted in true western style in Memphis by a buffalo - and a fuel truck! Special thanks to Tugwell Oil for bringing the fuel to us!


Today in Memphis we also met a very special individual - George Kelly, a resident of nearby Germantown. George was the Capitol Christmas Tree Coordinator in 1955 when the Tree came from South Dakota. The Tree was put on a train and presented to Vice-President Richard Nixon. Pictured here are 2010 CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek, George and his wife. So cool!


The Tree and the team are resting up tomorrow and hitting the road early Wednesday morning for Dahlonega! We are excited to meet the folks from Jeff and Mark's hometown!

We're Not in Wyoming Anymore Toto

Sunday, November 20, 2010 - Last night the Tree rolled into its first big city when we arrived in Columbia, Missouri. It was an adventure. Team Tree knew its way around Wyoming very well and knew which turns we could make, which exits we could take and what to expect in the communities in which we arrived. This is no longer the case, of course, and when you are hauling a 67-foot Tree, knowing what you are about to encounter is important. It's hard to imagine what our trailer looks like until you have actually seen it, but let's just say you can't just pull over and make a u-turn if you go the wrong direction.

Nonetheless, the Tree made its way safe and sound into Columbia for two stops - one at Break Time on Conley Road and the other at the Holiday Inn. The entire Team and our fleet of vehicles came to the celebration at the fuel stop which included free cookies, hot chocolate and fun giveaways! At the Holiday Inn, hundreds of people showed up to see Wyoming's Tree. Check out these photos from our stop in Columbia.

The Break Time crew and Team Tree with a special banner from the store with signatures from school children around the area.

Our trucks and vehicles filled up at Break Time in Columbia. Our SUV's filled up with TopTier gasoline and our trucks filled up on MFA Oil's PDF Ultra.
Hundreds of free cookies were given out at the Break Time celebration.

A Special Visit to Britt, IA

Sunday, November 22, 2010 - Sunday morning, bright and early, we headed out to Britt, IA. At this early hour at a stop outside of Wyoming, we expected a smaller crowd and quieter celebration. We were wrong.

The town of Britt, IA outdid themselves with a tremendous celebration that brought together several hundred people in their downtown area. There was music from local school children, a special presentation by the Mayor and a hot breakfast provided by the community. Check out this video of the crowd in Britt!


What brought us to Britt, IA you might ask? Deputy CCT Coordinator Josh Sorenson has family in Britt, including one of his grandmothers. After a little urging on the part of his family, Josh agreed to have the Tree swing by Britt, expecting to stop shortly for some cookies and a couple of pictures. Little did he know his grandmother and aunts were hard at work ensuring the whole town would be there for the community celebration. And they were!


Residents of the town of Britt were up early Sunday morning to come see the Tree!

Josh pulled his grandmother up on stage to thank her for her hard work in helping to put the celebration together.

Josh's mom (third from left), along with other relatives in Britt.
Thank you so much to the citizens of Britt, IA for welcoming the Tree and our team to your community!Everyone had an amazing time in your town and are looking forward to coming back for a visit soon!

Team Tree fueled up at the most efficient omelet station we have ever seen!

CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek and 2010 Little Miss Britt.

Wyoming Travel and Tourism donated hats, vests, posters and postcards for folks across the country.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Tree Meets its Match!

Saturday, November 20, 2010 - The 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree finally met its match when we visited the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth, MN. The Giant stands at 55 feet tall, 12 feet shorter than the Tree. The Tree arrived just in time for the annual "scarfing," when the Giant received a giant red scarf to keep warm for the winter.

The Jolly Green Giant gets "scarfed" in Blue Earth, MN.

Team Tree in front of the Jolly Green Giant Statue.

The Tree and the Giant.
Prior to the festivities in Blue Earth, the Tree visited the J & L Harley Davidson in Sioux Falls where many people came to see the Tree. Despite repeated requests from Team Tree, no free Harley's were given away.

Thanks to J & R Harley Davidson for having us!

Greg Clark attempts to take a test drive at the J & L Harley Davidson.

The Tree in front of the J & L Harley Davidson.


On the way from Sioux Falls to Blue Earth, we had to make a brief roadside stop when a small part of our banner began to tear. Never fear, we had duct tape and Team Tree!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Guarding the Tree in South Dakota

Very Late, November 19/20, 2010 - Last night in Chamberlin, we couldn't get our 105-foot Tree trailer into the area we had planned to store it overnight. So the men of Team Tree took shifts all night guarding the Tree. Thanks to Adam, Phelan, Justin and Josh for sacrificing what little sleep we have been getting to protect Wyoming's Tree!

Law Enforcement Officer Adam Case patrols the rest stop where the Tree was stored overnight.

Justin Kaber keeps a watchful eye on the Tree from the cab of the truck.
Law Enforcement Officer Phelan Whitehair during his late, late night shift guarding the Tree.