tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38781575111515229352024-03-13T15:44:05.680-07:00Capitol Christmas Tree 2010Follow the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree online as the Tree makes its way from Wyoming to Washington, DC.Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-77215725476526320772010-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:002010-12-13T20:16:57.042-08:00Thank YouMonday, December 12, 2010 - On behalf of everyone involved with the 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project, it has been a joy sharing our journey with you all! <br />
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Thank you to everyone who followed the blog and to all the people who have shared their Tree stories with us on Facebook and through our website.<br />
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Please click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceKlefT2tUs">here</a> to enjoy a special video from Tree stops across the great state of Wyoming. <br />
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We wish you all a very merry Christmas! <br />
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</div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-90643211870636951762010-12-07T21:09:00.000-08:002010-12-07T21:09:14.213-08:00Wyoming's Tree Lights Up Washington, DC!Tuesday, December 7, 2010 - Wyoming's 'Forever West' Tree lit up Washington, DC this evening! <br />
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Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and hundreds of Wyomingites at a special ceremony where the 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was illuminated. Despite the cold, a large crowd was on hand to celebrate this historic event and Wyoming's Tree. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TP8SFNV3bTI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Tvco6h1Timk/s1600/Tree+lit+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TP8SFNV3bTI/AAAAAAAAAL4/Tvco6h1Timk/s320/Tree+lit+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
To watch the lighting ceremony online, please click <a href="http://www.c-span.org/Watch/Media/2010/12/07/HP/A/41636/2010+US+Capitol+Christmas+Tree+Lighting+Ceremony.aspx">here. </a><br />
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Keep checking the blog as we'll have more photos and videos of the lighting and Tree in the coming days!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-39162458766844115342010-12-06T20:58:00.000-08:002010-12-06T20:58:17.837-08:00Tree Lighting!December 7, 2010 - Wyoming's 'Forever West' Tree will be illuminated today at 3:00 p.m. MST. <br />
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Depending on the Congressional schedule, the lighting ceremony will be broadcast live on CSPAN. The ceremony will also be streamed live online. Click <a href="http://www.c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN.aspx">here</a> to watch CSPAN live. <br />
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If the ceremony is not broadcast live, look for the lighting to be replayed on CSPAN and major cable news channels. We will also post a link to the video on our blog and Facebook page very soon after!<br />
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Team Tree can't wait to see our Tree lit up!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-56806797697450170862010-12-06T20:51:00.000-08:002010-12-06T20:51:20.708-08:00The Tree Has Been DecoratedTuesday, December 6, 2010 - Wyoming's Tree has been decorated - and it looks absolutely amazing!<br />
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Thousands and thousands of ornaments hand made by the people of Wyoming have been placed on our state's Tree which now resides on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It is truly an amazing site to see. The ornaments are spectacular and the compliments on the Cowboy State's Tree keep rolling in. <br />
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Another gentlemen who works at the Capitol and has helped to put up the past 30 Capitol Christmas Trees said today Wyoming's Tree was the most beautiful he had ever seen - the fullest and the healthiest. <br />
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Check out these pictures of Wyoming's Tree and some of the amazing ornaments which adorn it!<br />
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The people of Wyoming really outdid themselves! We have a Tree of which we can be so proud!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-12323943084981830692010-12-04T13:33:00.000-08:002010-12-04T13:33:12.985-08:00The Tree Has Hit the Big Time!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Saturday, December 4, 2010 -</strong> You know the Tree has hit the big time when Stephen Colbert decides to poke a little fun at it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Click <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/367133/december-02-2010/the-blitzkrieg-on-grinchitude---atheist-billboard---capitol-christmas-tree">here</a> to see a pretty funny clip from "The Colbert Report" regarding the Tree and its Twitter account. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fox News actually called the Tree "perhaps the hippest, most technology-savvy Tree to grace the Capitol ground. This year's Tree has a blog. And a Facebook account. And a Twitter account." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wyoming's Tree is blowing them all out of the water!</span></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-69477046461645103072010-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:002010-12-02T21:09:25.099-08:00Getting the Tree Ready for Its Close-Up!Thursday, December 2, 2010 - Our Tree is looking good! This week, staff from the Superintendent of the Capitol's office have been working around the clock to string up lights and decorate the 2010 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. <br />
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After the Tree's arrival Monday morning, U.S. Capitol workers lifted the Tree from the truck and placed it into a 5-foot deep hole and filled it up with cement. Check out this video of the Tree being set-up on the Capitol lawn. <br />
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Since the Tree's arrival, the branches have fallen and our perfect Tree is impressing everyone at the Capitol. Officials from the Capitol have said Wyoming's Tree is truly one of the most beautiful, and fullest, they have ever seen! The Tree was extremely <span class="text_exposed_show">well taken care of on the road (dripping water when it was removed, as they had never seen before), and workers at the Capitol could not believe we got such a full Tree tied up and onto the trailer. Way to go Wyoming! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPh62Gm5b1I/AAAAAAAAALQ/qF2eCxCOrhI/s1600/Decorating+the+Tree+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPh62Gm5b1I/AAAAAAAAALQ/qF2eCxCOrhI/s320/Decorating+the+Tree+close+up.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPh69TgwwTI/AAAAAAAAALU/lQuspLhNldM/s1600/Decorating+the+Tree+with+Capitol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPh69TgwwTI/AAAAAAAAALU/lQuspLhNldM/s320/Decorating+the+Tree+with+Capitol.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Only 4 more days until the lighting - we can't wait!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-83586320077922236232010-11-29T17:48:00.000-08:002010-11-29T17:48:07.388-08:00The Tree Has Arrived!Monday, November 29, 2010 - The Tree made it!<br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRJv-M6_tI/AAAAAAAAAKY/WXoh4wbxbjA/s1600/Taking+tarp+down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRJv-M6_tI/AAAAAAAAAKY/WXoh4wbxbjA/s320/Taking+tarp+down.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh and Greg remove the banner from the truck. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRJ9BpFcWI/AAAAAAAAAKc/3vj22QFUCYk/s1600/Phelan%252C+Mary+Ann+and+Mary+roll+banner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRJ9BpFcWI/AAAAAAAAAKc/3vj22QFUCYk/s320/Phelan%252C+Mary+Ann+and+Mary+roll+banner.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Ann, driver Jeff Underwood's daughter who joined us in Dahlonega, helps Officer Whitehair and Mary roll up the banner. </td></tr>
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRNdx2BVLI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0cd_qT03iaU/s1600/Dismantling+trcuk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRNdx2BVLI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0cd_qT03iaU/s320/Dismantling+trcuk.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree removes the tarp and dismantles the truck early in the morning. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPROogLOehI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Jgbqu8Y_LvM/s1600/Tree+in+front+of+the+Capitol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPROogLOehI/AAAAAAAAAKo/Jgbqu8Y_LvM/s400/Tree+in+front+of+the+Capitol.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyoming's perfect Tree parked in front of the U.S. Capitol. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRO5XSRKqI/AAAAAAAAAKs/LHUqSTpPxPg/s1600/Team+Tree+in+Front+of+Capitol+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRO5XSRKqI/AAAAAAAAAKs/LHUqSTpPxPg/s320/Team+Tree+in+Front+of+Capitol+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree poses for one last photo with the Tree before turning it over to the Capitol. </td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRUMZzQIBI/AAAAAAAAAK0/TxQ02tBCIoo/s1600/Tree+pulling+into+front+of+Capitol+to+be+turned+over.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRUMZzQIBI/AAAAAAAAAK0/TxQ02tBCIoo/s320/Tree+pulling+into+front+of+Capitol+to+be+turned+over.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree pulls into the U.S. Capitol. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRUXC9YssI/AAAAAAAAAK4/98OuDa7ODXg/s1600/Tree+right+in+front+of+Capitol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRUXC9YssI/AAAAAAAAAK4/98OuDa7ODXg/s320/Tree+right+in+front+of+Capitol.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyoming's Tree right before it is removed from the truck and erected on the west lawn. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRUlUhLUcI/AAAAAAAAAK8/HfgldZ1QlUI/s1600/Mary%252C+Barrasso%252C+Enzi+with+reporters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRUlUhLUcI/AAAAAAAAAK8/HfgldZ1QlUI/s320/Mary%252C+Barrasso%252C+Enzi+with+reporters.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek, Senator John Barrasso and Senator Mike Enzi. <br />
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</tbody></table>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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRVzXFXx3I/AAAAAAAAALA/DUF8xpdOmQo/s1600/Jeff%252C+Cindy%252C+Mary+Ann+and+Samuel+about+to+pull+into+Capitol.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRVzXFXx3I/AAAAAAAAALA/DUF8xpdOmQo/s320/Jeff%252C+Cindy%252C+Mary+Ann+and+Samuel+about+to+pull+into+Capitol.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff, his wife Cindy and children Samuel and Mary Ann before delivering the Tree to the U.S. Capitol. <br />
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</tbody></table>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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRW03qXdbI/AAAAAAAAALE/kP8VBPnW9aM/s1600/lifting+off+truck+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRW03qXdbI/AAAAAAAAALE/kP8VBPnW9aM/s320/lifting+off+truck+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRXA9ttdcI/AAAAAAAAALI/tUTMOAx_LPY/s1600/Tree+on+lawn+2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRXA9ttdcI/AAAAAAAAALI/tUTMOAx_LPY/s320/Tree+on+lawn+2+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRXMVPyQ7I/AAAAAAAAALM/7sW6E0F2tiU/s1600/Tree+erect+on+Capitol+Lawn+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPRXMVPyQ7I/AAAAAAAAALM/7sW6E0F2tiU/s320/Tree+erect+on+Capitol+Lawn+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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. <br />
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Stay tuned for updates this week as we deliver companion trees to other offices and prep for the lighting next week!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-69430583537159862812010-11-28T18:01:00.000-08:002010-11-28T18:01:57.245-08:00We'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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek talks about the end of our journey and presenting the Tree to the Capitol tomorrow morning. <br />
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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!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-76972163327919729782010-11-28T06:26:00.000-08:002010-11-28T06:26:12.061-08:00A Sweet Celebration at Hershey ParkSaturday, November 27, 2010 - <span class="UIStory_Message">The Tree and its team arrived at Hershey Park today for a very sweet celebration!</span><br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message">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. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJjLyy3qGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/MR7ygvoLPlE/s1600/Hershey+characters+in+front+of+Tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJjLyy3qGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/MR7ygvoLPlE/s320/Hershey+characters+in+front+of+Tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message">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. </span><span class="UIStory_Message"></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJkgUE9X9I/AAAAAAAAAKM/WZ4_DDSV5w8/s1600/Mary+presented+with+chocolate+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJkgUE9X9I/AAAAAAAAAKM/WZ4_DDSV5w8/s320/Mary+presented+with+chocolate+bar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJk4gTkT_I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/rG0XJm-qYXg/s1600/Team+with+Hershey+characters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJk4gTkT_I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/rG0XJm-qYXg/s320/Team+with+Hershey+characters.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree and new friends from Hershey Park. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="UIStory_Message">A huge thank you to all the wonderful folks at Hershey for taking such great care of the Tree and <span class="text_exposed_show">the team! If you are in the area, stop by and see the Tree at the park today!</span></span><br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="text_exposed_show"><u>NACS Roadside Stop - Special Thanks!</u></span></span><br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="text_exposed_show">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!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJmL1v4VNI/AAAAAAAAAKU/GCzV2ZzcakE/s1600/Team+with+Sheetz+Hummer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPJmL1v4VNI/AAAAAAAAAKU/GCzV2ZzcakE/s320/Team+with+Sheetz+Hummer.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-33886635320077550432010-11-26T20:26:00.000-08:002010-11-26T20:26:24.947-08:00The Tree Hits the East CoastFriday, 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!<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPCGTd_oe4I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/rN8mxCMSu7o/s1600/Crowd+in+Staunton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPCGTd_oe4I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/rN8mxCMSu7o/s320/Crowd+in+Staunton.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd in Staunton, Virginia. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPCGkS3fmiI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/13GCXYdLkLo/s1600/City+of+Staunton+Fire+and+Rescue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPCGkS3fmiI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/13GCXYdLkLo/s320/City+of+Staunton+Fire+and+Rescue.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The City of Staunton Fire and Rescue came by to help us water the Tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPCGp7a8LPI/AAAAAAAAAKA/-sf_uKm7NEE/s1600/Local+Nutcracker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TPCGp7a8LPI/AAAAAAAAAKA/-sf_uKm7NEE/s320/Local+Nutcracker.JPG" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performers from the Stauton Academy of Ballet came by to see the Tree after a performance in their Nutcracker costumes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>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!<br />
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</div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-24646881112061257392010-11-25T19:47:00.000-08:002010-11-25T19:47:56.356-08:00Dahlonega: Our Home Away from HomeThursday, 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. <br />
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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!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree and our new fishing partners at Lake Lanier. </td></tr>
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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!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO8pUv6FJfI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Rn0LxfPv7uk/s1600/Weighing+the+fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO8pUv6FJfI/AAAAAAAAAJk/Rn0LxfPv7uk/s320/Weighing+the+fish.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weighing our catches!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO8pbuvS3eI/AAAAAAAAAJo/ui9nb3Hm6pc/s1600/Kristin+and+Jim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO8pbuvS3eI/AAAAAAAAAJo/ui9nb3Hm6pc/s320/Kristin+and+Jim.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blonde blogger couldn't resist the opportunity to brag a little about her victory with her partner Jim. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO8rfXQhhXI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/X_5kOCW6ZCQ/s1600/Thanksgiving+Dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO8rfXQhhXI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/X_5kOCW6ZCQ/s320/Thanksgiving+Dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with residents of Dahlonega. </td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was talking with our driver Jeff Underwood, who is a native of Dahlonega, about </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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!</div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-84983052457037916732010-11-25T14:23:00.000-08:002010-11-25T14:23:33.152-08:00Happy Thanksgiving from Dahlonega!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thursday, November 25, 2010 - Team Tree wishes everyone across the country a safe and happy Thanksgiving!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnohdSYXCkTBMDYl4OnMoNOvusrVri-7cK131d2H7U7U18WjLLw-bLGRHyZiKdE3U1QNDARdtkVjbWd4fqCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-77637785356210130842010-11-25T11:50:00.000-08:002010-11-25T11:50:51.258-08:00Dahlonega Welcomes the TreeWednesday, 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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5CQg0GotI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Xg6VFpzfo94/s1600/Crowd+in+Dahlonega+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5CQg0GotI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/Xg6VFpzfo94/s320/Crowd+in+Dahlonega+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of onlookers packed Main Street to see the Tree and drivers Jeff Underwood and Mark Fortner. </td></tr>
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5BbFvpbsI/AAAAAAAAAJM/7xPZ2a6nGMs/s1600/Dahlonega+Welcome+Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5BbFvpbsI/AAAAAAAAAJM/7xPZ2a6nGMs/s320/Dahlonega+Welcome+Sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dahlonega rolled out the red carpet for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5DbZtxMBI/AAAAAAAAAJU/JxQX-SSjSWM/s1600/Jeff+in+crowd+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5DbZtxMBI/AAAAAAAAAJU/JxQX-SSjSWM/s320/Jeff+in+crowd+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff visits with elected officials and citizensof Dahlonega upon arrival into town. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5D3vmyWbI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ePLDCg47vkg/s1600/Mark+and+fans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TO5D3vmyWbI/AAAAAAAAAJY/ePLDCg47vkg/s320/Mark+and+fans.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Fortner visits with friends and family in Dahlonega. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>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!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-29588587549942969072010-11-24T03:35:00.000-08:002010-11-24T03:35:06.222-08:00Heading to Dahlonega!Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - The <span class="UIStory_Message">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!</span><br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message">Special thanks to the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of the Capitol Christmas Tree!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOz3-_jbBYI/AAAAAAAAAJI/0AA3wFe0PFI/s1600/Dahlonega+-+Lumpkin+County+Chamber+of+Commerce.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOz3-_jbBYI/AAAAAAAAAJI/0AA3wFe0PFI/s320/Dahlonega+-+Lumpkin+County+Chamber+of+Commerce.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-63863551070711813682010-11-24T02:58:00.000-08:002010-11-24T02:58:38.377-08:00Hanging Out (and by that we mean eating) in MemphisTuesday, 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. <br />
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Of course being in Memphis we made finding the best ribs in town a top priority. Team Tree made it to BB Kings Blues<span class="text_exposed_show"> Club and Rendezvous to eat, while of course working diligently! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOzuYqCLwPI/AAAAAAAAAI8/oShOrbHRYmA/s1600/Justin+and+Greg+on+Trolley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOzuYqCLwPI/AAAAAAAAAI8/oShOrbHRYmA/s320/Justin+and+Greg+on+Trolley.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin Kaber and Greg Clark on the trolley in Memphis. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOzvAd6qiqI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ssjKQQdEMxQ/s1600/Phelan+Josh+and+Jeff+map+out+route+at+dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOzvAd6qiqI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ssjKQQdEMxQ/s320/Phelan+Josh+and+Jeff+map+out+route+at+dinner.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Law Enforcement Officer Phelan Whitehair, Josh Sorenson and driver Jeff Underwood discuss the next days route.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOzvUU8SV4I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Jnl7LW3Ak1U/s1600/Team+eating+ribs+at+rendez-vous.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOzvUU8SV4I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Jnl7LW3Ak1U/s320/Team+eating+ribs+at+rendez-vous.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree enjoying ribs at Rendezvous. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-35111785310285740332010-11-22T20:53:00.000-08:002010-11-22T20:53:21.465-08:00The Tree Arrives in MemphisMonday, 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!<br />
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<span class="UIStory_Message">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! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOtHi2whDRI/AAAAAAAAAI0/DqN5SYT0BBg/s1600/Memphis+with+Buffalo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOtHi2whDRI/AAAAAAAAAI0/DqN5SYT0BBg/s320/Memphis+with+Buffalo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="UIStory_Message">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!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOtISbR2CAI/AAAAAAAAAI4/M_8fkueuhpw/s1600/Mary+and+George+Kelly+who+delivered+1955+tree+from+SD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOtISbR2CAI/AAAAAAAAAI4/M_8fkueuhpw/s320/Mary+and+George+Kelly+who+delivered+1955+tree+from+SD.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="UIStory_Message">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!</span>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-73138325282605859722010-11-22T08:23:00.000-08:002010-11-22T08:23:22.557-08:00We're Not in Wyoming Anymore TotoSunday, 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. <br />
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Nonetheless, the Tree made its way safe and sound into Columbia <span class="UIStory_Message">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, <span class="text_exposed_show">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. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOqMndBnN_I/AAAAAAAAAIo/Q1ezzCzAVzg/s1600/Break+Time+MO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOqMndBnN_I/AAAAAAAAAIo/Q1ezzCzAVzg/s320/Break+Time+MO.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Break Time crew and Team Tree with a special banner from the store with signatures from school children around the area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOqO4ZgMvrI/AAAAAAAAAIs/8bPGLxP_Hn0/s1600/Break+Time+refuel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOqO4ZgMvrI/AAAAAAAAAIs/8bPGLxP_Hn0/s320/Break+Time+refuel.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">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.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOqQkqAbC2I/AAAAAAAAAIw/Usw6YYucEmE/s1600/Cookies+at+Breaktime.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOqQkqAbC2I/AAAAAAAAAIw/Usw6YYucEmE/s320/Cookies+at+Breaktime.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of free cookies were given out at the Break Time celebration. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-45944242233733699342010-11-22T04:10:00.000-08:002010-11-22T04:10:54.407-08:00A Special Visit to Britt, IASunday, 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. <br />
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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!<br />
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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!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpajMAFmaI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Smh_AO2DB6k/s1600/Crowd+in+Britt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpajMAFmaI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Smh_AO2DB6k/s320/Crowd+in+Britt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residents of the town of Britt were up early Sunday morning to come see the Tree!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpavlBSsYI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/30a7Kv3MCRM/s1600/Josh+and+Grandma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpavlBSsYI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/30a7Kv3MCRM/s320/Josh+and+Grandma.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh pulled his grandmother up on stage to thank her for her hard work in helping to put the celebration together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpa7qu7r9I/AAAAAAAAAIU/q9DVhoQnmW0/s1600/Josh%2527s+Mom+and+Relatives.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpa7qu7r9I/AAAAAAAAAIU/q9DVhoQnmW0/s320/Josh%2527s+Mom+and+Relatives.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh's mom (third from left), along with other relatives in Britt. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="UIStory_Message">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!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpcCegSb6I/AAAAAAAAAIY/vK7sjAKPW_s/s1600/Omlette+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpcCegSb6I/AAAAAAAAAIY/vK7sjAKPW_s/s320/Omlette+bar.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree fueled up at the most efficient omelet station we have ever seen!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpcQe4G5oI/AAAAAAAAAIc/0I4oECRAnGs/s1600/Mary+and+Little+Miss+Britt+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpcQe4G5oI/AAAAAAAAAIc/0I4oECRAnGs/s320/Mary+and+Little+Miss+Britt+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek and 2010 Little Miss Britt. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpci4IqB1I/AAAAAAAAAIg/LZ99us8WBIM/s1600/WY+Merchandise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOpci4IqB1I/AAAAAAAAAIg/LZ99us8WBIM/s320/WY+Merchandise.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyoming Travel and Tourism donated hats, vests, posters and postcards for folks across the country. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-18904453246810989272010-11-21T04:44:00.000-08:002010-11-21T04:44:26.978-08:00The 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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkKdGrqkRI/AAAAAAAAAHw/6Bbi_9Uc1nU/s1600/Giant+gets+scarfed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkKdGrqkRI/AAAAAAAAAHw/6Bbi_9Uc1nU/s320/Giant+gets+scarfed.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jolly Green Giant gets "scarfed" in Blue Earth, MN. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkKvVfy8fI/AAAAAAAAAH0/aQqNQIgxaX0/s1600/Team+and+Blue+Earth+Sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkKvVfy8fI/AAAAAAAAAH0/aQqNQIgxaX0/s320/Team+and+Blue+Earth+Sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree in front of the Jolly Green Giant Statue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkK_cWDgPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Yfhnw6egu6w/s1600/Tree+and+Jolly+Green+Giant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkK_cWDgPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Yfhnw6egu6w/s320/Tree+and+Jolly+Green+Giant.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree and the Giant. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>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. <br />
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Thanks to J & R Harley Davidson for having us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkOLSwFh9I/AAAAAAAAAIA/yWPG6-rnpGQ/s1600/Greg+Clark+on+harley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkOLSwFh9I/AAAAAAAAAIA/yWPG6-rnpGQ/s320/Greg+Clark+on+harley.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greg Clark attempts to take a test drive at the J & L Harley Davidson.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkOm-wk6NI/AAAAAAAAAIE/_uiow9ERP7U/s1600/Tree+at+Harley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkOm-wk6NI/AAAAAAAAAIE/_uiow9ERP7U/s320/Tree+at+Harley.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree in front of the J & L Harley Davidson. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkNbrQxZiI/AAAAAAAAAH8/x7SbdnQgJ50/s1600/Banner+in+front+of+store.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkNbrQxZiI/AAAAAAAAAH8/x7SbdnQgJ50/s320/Banner+in+front+of+store.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkTWANGvsI/AAAAAAAAAII/YEuI_guTias/s1600/Quick+Repair+on+side+of+highway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOkTWANGvsI/AAAAAAAAAII/YEuI_guTias/s320/Quick+Repair+on+side+of+highway.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-1657188585813819052010-11-20T05:57:00.000-08:002010-11-20T05:57:31.775-08:00Guarding the Tree in South DakotaVery Late, November 19/20, 2010 - <span class="messageBody">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!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOfSte9rCCI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-Z6xq4B2DWk/s1600/Adam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOfSte9rCCI/AAAAAAAAAHk/-Z6xq4B2DWk/s320/Adam.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Law Enforcement Officer Adam Case patrols the rest stop where the Tree was stored overnight. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOfS4wA88VI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nknHFuxs7h8/s1600/Justin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOfS4wA88VI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nknHFuxs7h8/s320/Justin.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin Kaber keeps a watchful eye on the Tree from the cab of the truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOfTHFO2SsI/AAAAAAAAAHs/YqMaY_ux6RM/s1600/Phelean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOfTHFO2SsI/AAAAAAAAAHs/YqMaY_ux6RM/s320/Phelean.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Law Enforcement Officer Phelan Whitehair during his late, late night shift guarding the Tree. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-48543077779919300742010-11-20T03:40:00.000-08:002010-11-20T06:44:21.364-08:00Thank 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOdg87h1TlI/AAAAAAAAAHI/6xPs9qwIaHM/s1600/Crowd+in+Sundance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOdg87h1TlI/AAAAAAAAAHI/6xPs9qwIaHM/s320/Crowd+in+Sundance.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children sang carols at the celebration in Sundance. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOdhgw5AcrI/AAAAAAAAAHM/9Ywl1BTtFM4/s1600/Smoky+and+the+kids+in+Sundance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOdhgw5AcrI/AAAAAAAAAHM/9Ywl1BTtFM4/s320/Smoky+and+the+kids+in+Sundance.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smokey the Bear greets kids in Sundance. </td></tr>
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Also on hand were the Sundance Methodist Church Bell Choir. Check out this video below of them performing at the community event!<br />
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In Sundance, Family Career Community Leadership of America students made special cowboy boot cookies for the celebration. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOetKjMWEXI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/3WD9MBHURII/s1600/Cookies+in+Sundance+-+Family+Career+Community+Leadership+of+America.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOetKjMWEXI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/3WD9MBHURII/s320/Cookies+in+Sundance+-+Family+Career+Community+Leadership+of+America.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team raises their cowboy boot cookies in honor of the end of our Wyoming journey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>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. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOewyF1fesI/AAAAAAAAAHY/xAHt5dgeDRo/s1600/Sturgis+elementary+choir.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOewyF1fesI/AAAAAAAAAHY/xAHt5dgeDRo/s320/Sturgis+elementary+choir.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturgis Elementary Choir came by to sing in front of the Tree. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>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!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOeyNjxTQxI/AAAAAAAAAHc/WR1nQwjoxTw/s1600/Chamberlin+Shows+Up+to+See+Tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOeyNjxTQxI/AAAAAAAAAHc/WR1nQwjoxTw/s320/Chamberlin+Shows+Up+to+See+Tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite the location change, the people of Chamberlin still showed up to see the Tree. </td></tr>
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<u>A Special Thanks to the Cenex FCA Country Store!</u><br />
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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!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOezGYxgUhI/AAAAAAAAAHg/MI_uFuxNMyg/s1600/Team+Picture+at+Cennex+FCA+Country+Store.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOezGYxgUhI/AAAAAAAAAHg/MI_uFuxNMyg/s320/Team+Picture+at+Cennex+FCA+Country+Store.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Tree and FCA Site Manager Jim Oswalt in Gillette. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-29838566343206340822010-11-19T04:29:00.000-08:002010-11-19T04:29:01.146-08:00A Parade in Wheatland, a Jackalope in Douglas and a Wind Delay in WheatlandThursday, November 18, 2010 - Today we had the opportunity to see the very best of the people of Wyoming. From Wheatland, to Douglas, to Gillette, we saw the enthusiasm and excitement of the people of Wyoming over our state's Tree and their patience and understanding in dealing with unexpected challenges. <br />
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Winds at speeds of over 55 MPH sidelined the Capitol Christmas Tree outside of Wright today for more than three hours causing us to miss a stop at the FCA Country Store in Gillette as well as most of the community celebration at the local college. We were so disappointed to miss these celebrations, but the residents of Gillette continued on with their festivities and many stuck around until we arrived around 7:00 p.m. The community even created their own banners for Wyomingites to sign which we will take with us to Washington, DC. Thanks for your understanding Gillette!<br />
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Before the wind, we started our day out in Wheatland with a fantastic parade and event in front of the court house. Nearly 1,000 people showed up in Wheatland to see the Tree and sign the banner. Talking to one of the residents there, we were reminded of why so many people across the state have come to see the Tree - "We are just excited to be a part of this. This is historical and we get to be a part of history," said a gentlemen in Wheatland. <br />
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Check out these photos of the parade and celebration in Wheatland. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZgQQkM3bI/AAAAAAAAAGw/nbLyc6zoSL8/s1600/Wheatland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZgQQkM3bI/AAAAAAAAAGw/nbLyc6zoSL8/s320/Wheatland.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parade in Wheatland. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZgbj9sBtI/AAAAAAAAAG0/j8xAbQv56pg/s1600/Mary+with+Pony+Express.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZgbj9sBtI/AAAAAAAAAG0/j8xAbQv56pg/s320/Mary+with+Pony+Express.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek and the Pony Express in Wheatland. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZgm2G_CrI/AAAAAAAAAG4/C3Swh6hGc04/s1600/Wheatland+Crowd+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZgm2G_CrI/AAAAAAAAAG4/C3Swh6hGc04/s320/Wheatland+Crowd+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The celebration in Wheatland. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next it was onto Douglas where hundreds of more residents of the area awaited the arrival of the Tree. Children from the local schools sang throughout the event at Hardware Hank's and participants (including the team!) enjoyed delicious BBQ sandwiches. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZhoAWvztI/AAAAAAAAAG8/dqlSq7qYbcg/s1600/Hardware+Hank+Sign+in+Douglas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZhoAWvztI/AAAAAAAAAG8/dqlSq7qYbcg/s320/Hardware+Hank+Sign+in+Douglas.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
The Douglas Chamber of Commerce also had a special presentation for our driver, Jeff Underwood. Jeff was presented with a Jackalope hunting license from the town as well as a jackalope for his dashboard. Fortunately, Jeff had gotten educated earlier in the trip by true Wyomingites and got the joke. We think.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZj8qk4_TI/AAAAAAAAAHA/2hYgFSU-a2U/s1600/Olga+and+Jeff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOZj8qk4_TI/AAAAAAAAAHA/2hYgFSU-a2U/s320/Olga+and+Jeff.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Leaving Douglas, hundreds of school children lined the road to see the Tree and wave to the team. This video gives you the opportunity to see what Team Tree has experienced countless times out on the road in Wyoming. The excitement and enthusiasm of the children is truly contagious and seeing their faces has been a highlight of the tour for many of us.<br />
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Despite our wind delay (read an earlier post to see how Team Tree entertained themselves for nearly four hours at the rest stop), we were able to see many people when we arrived in Gillette later in the evening. There was music and food and Santa was visiting with many of the children. Even a little late, we were happy to arrive to the party and join in on the festivities.<br />
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After the celebration we headed to the Settle Inn for some rest and the Sky Line restaurant for some dinner. Thank you to owner Ray Lewis for taking such great care of the team!<br />
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<u>A Special Thanks to Cloud Peak Energy</u><br />
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Cloud Peak Energy helped put together the wonderful celebration in Gillette! They have also been a tremendous sponsor of the Capitol Christmas Tree Project. Their support has been instrumental to the project and ensuring the delivery of Wyoming's Tree to our nation's capital. Thanks Cloud Peak!Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-54371106895096180462010-11-18T16:42:00.000-08:002010-11-18T16:42:25.306-08:00Wyoming Travel and Tourism Facebook ContestThursday, November 18, 2010 - Wyoming Travel and Tourism's "Deck the Wall Facebook Contest" begins today! Snap a picture of yourself with the 2010 Capitol Christmas Tree and post it to WTT's Facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/visitwyoming">www.facebook.com/visitwyoming</a>, and you could win a gift basket of Wyoming-made products worth over $200. Check out details below!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOXHuqIf2KI/AAAAAAAAAGs/6vrj1Gf69cM/s1600/WTT_TREE2_Flyer%255B2%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOXHuqIf2KI/AAAAAAAAAGs/6vrj1Gf69cM/s640/WTT_TREE2_Flyer%255B2%255D.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-61549777302459615182010-11-18T14:44:00.000-08:002010-11-18T14:44:53.072-08:00Wind Slows Capitol Christmas Tree!Thursday, November 18, 2010 - Winds blowing at 55 mph sidelined the Capitol Christmas Tree today. On the way to Gillette, the Team encountered high winds that forced us to stop at the Cheyenne River Rest Stop. Driver Mark Fortner explains why the Tree and team had to stop. <br />
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The Tree is anticipated to be stuck here until after dark. If you are in Bill, Pine Tree Junction, Reno Junction, Wright or Orpha - stop by to see the tree!<br />
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We are so disappointed that we are missing the wonderful people and special celebration that the city of Gillette and the Cenex Farmers Co-Op had planned! Delivery of the Capitol Christmas Tree to DC in one piece is top priority!<br />
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Below Team Tree tries to navigate the windy day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOWrUvMpNkI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2oRfuU8Ftlw/s1600/CCT+Hangs+on+for+dear+life.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOWrUvMpNkI/AAAAAAAAAGk/2oRfuU8Ftlw/s320/CCT+Hangs+on+for+dear+life.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitol Christmas Tree Coordinator Mary Cernicek hangs on at the Cheyenne River Rest Stop. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOWrX1yaODI/AAAAAAAAAGo/3Qpqjqn9gDo/s1600/Dennis+Cease+Windblown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOWrX1yaODI/AAAAAAAAAGo/3Qpqjqn9gDo/s320/Dennis+Cease+Windblown.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Law Enforcement Officer Dennis Cease puts his life on the line to protect the Capitol Christmas Tree amidst 55 mph winds. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878157511151522935.post-16100847624611751352010-11-18T04:16:00.000-08:002010-11-19T03:16:53.273-08:00Greetings from our State Capital!Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree made its way to Cheyenne today for a number of special celebrations in our state capital. We woke up to a snowy morning in Laramie and waited for the roads to be cleared before heading onto Cheyenne. Check out the Tree in the morning in Laramie. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOURR5rnThI/AAAAAAAAAGA/ygaQUpfDtbY/s1600/Waking+Up+in+Laramie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOURR5rnThI/AAAAAAAAAGA/ygaQUpfDtbY/s320/Waking+Up+in+Laramie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking Up in Laramie!</td></tr>
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The team and the Tree arrived in Cheyenne in perfect time for a big celebration at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. We had a great turnout and the event included singing from the Cheyenne All-City Children's Chorus. The Chorus will also be traveling to Washington, DC in December to sing at a special lighting reception in DC. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUSW6WUuMI/AAAAAAAAAGE/uGjvaftNARg/s1600/Cheyenne+All-City+Children%2527s+Choir+in+Cheyenne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUSW6WUuMI/AAAAAAAAAGE/uGjvaftNARg/s320/Cheyenne+All-City+Children%2527s+Choir+in+Cheyenne.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cheyenne All-City Children's Chorus performs at the Cheyenne Depot Museum. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUSiY9UrFI/AAAAAAAAAGI/0rwghEstTv8/s1600/Tree+Arrives+at+Depot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUSiY9UrFI/AAAAAAAAAGI/0rwghEstTv8/s320/Tree+Arrives+at+Depot.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree arrives at the Depot. <br />
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</tbody></table>We had a number of special guests at the celebration in Cheyenne including the Director of Wyoming Travel and Tourism Diane Shober, Cheyenne Mayor Richard Kaysen, the President of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Henry Armour and representatives of Chesapeake, Cameco, Cloudpeak, Devon, Jonah Bank and many other of our wonderful sponsors without whom none of this would be possible. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUUUZ_RFpI/AAAAAAAAAGM/XeOEJVK_pMg/s1600/Cameco+Cheyenne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUUUZ_RFpI/AAAAAAAAAGM/XeOEJVK_pMg/s320/Cameco+Cheyenne.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Representatives of Cameco in front of the Tree in Cheyenne. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUUhK88QSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/_NbsO4Wc5To/s1600/US+Bank+and+Salvation+Army+provide+free+drinks+and+snacks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUUhK88QSI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/_NbsO4Wc5To/s320/US+Bank+and+Salvation+Army+provide+free+drinks+and+snacks.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Bank and the Salvation Army teamed up to serve free hot drinks and snacks at the celebration in Cheyenne. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks to all who came out today to the Depot to see the Tree! After the event, it was time for fuel again so we headed onto Love's in Cheyenne with President of NACS Henry Armour and his wife Natalie Clark. We fueled up for the next day and stopped for a photo with Henry, his wife and General Manager of the Love's Store Tim Benedict. <br />
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After fueling up, it was time to store the Tree overnight. As you can imagine, finding a safe place to store our 105-foot trailer is not always easy, but here in Cheyenne, F.E. Warren Air Force Base generously agreed to take care of our Tree overnight. We brought the Tree onto the base where service members and their families quickly showed up to to sign the banner and take photos with the Tree. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUWfPON6qI/AAAAAAAAAGY/FEMkfNx1NnQ/s1600/Colonel+Fox+signs+the+banner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUWfPON6qI/AAAAAAAAAGY/FEMkfNx1NnQ/s320/Colonel+Fox+signs+the+banner.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonel Fox signs the banner. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUWnp5KSGI/AAAAAAAAAGc/KTgEMHlYE-Q/s1600/Team+and+Colonel+Fox+from+FE+Warren.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUWnp5KSGI/AAAAAAAAAGc/KTgEMHlYE-Q/s320/Team+and+Colonel+Fox+from+FE+Warren.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. <br />
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</tbody></table>A special thanks to all the brave men and women serving at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, as well as throughout the country. Thanks for keeping a watchful eye on our Tree tonight F.E. Warren. Team Tree will sleep well tonight knowing it is well protected!<br />
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We had a special treat tonight - a reception at the Governor's residence! Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal opened up his residence for a celebration honoring the Capitol Christmas Tree. A number of the artists who submitted art work for the Capitol Christmas Tree Project were on hand at the reception including winner Fred King Will. The reception also provided the opportunity to see Team Tree all gussied up!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUX8XPrUmI/AAAAAAAAAGg/s4nF6bKbJSk/s1600/Governor+Mary+and+Josh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vuIXzJCpzlw/TOUX8XPrUmI/AAAAAAAAAGg/s4nF6bKbJSk/s320/Governor+Mary+and+Josh.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Governor Dave Freudenthal with CCT Coordinator Mary Cernicek and Deputy Josh Sorenson. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Signing off tonight with a special message from F.E. Warren Air Force Base!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzen45u12OFDU7h44f7Bvm9M9zmRvphsLx87PvKQuc2Rwncr6AFR6nv6_2lo8Ag3OpQwgqRQHJUs1VKWLuNLg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Team Treehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17414163165601331686noreply@blogger.com0