2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree celebration begins in Wrangell, stops in Ketchikan
KETCHIKAN, Alaska – Oct. 4, 2024 – The harvest celebration for the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour will happen this month in Wrangell, followed by the first Whistlestop Tour event in Ketchikan. These are the only two Alaskan events before the “Peoples Tree” begins its 4000-mile journey to Washington, D.C.
The Capitol Christmas Tree celebration in Wrangell begins Oct. 26, with a tree blessing by the Wrangell Cooperative Association outside the James & Elsie Nolan Center – where the 74-ft Sitka Spruce will be parked. Families will be able to sign the side of the uniquely Alaskan trailer with marker, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree souvenirs from Alaska Geographic, and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the 54-year tradition of the USDA Forest Service providing the “Peoples Tree.”
“It’s a great privilege for The People’s Tree to be coming from the Tongass this year,” said Tongass National Forest Deputy Supervisor Clint Kolarich. “We’re excited to be a part of this historic undertaking and the Wrangell Cooperative Association along with the Community of Wrangell have been amazing partners.”
The City and Borough of Wrangell incorporated this unique event into their existing, three-day harvest celebration, which features live music, a pumpkin patch, Halloween themed parties and more. Find out more at https://travelwrangell.com/wrangell-cct-harvest.
After the Wrangell event, the tree and trailer will be loaded onto a barge and sent to Alaska’s “First City” for the first event of the Whistlestop Tour – a series of community celebrations along the tree’s path.
The Ketchikan event will be at the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal parking lot from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30. The Alaska Marine Highway System donated the space, and the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Forest Service to help build and promote the occasion. This event is still being developed, and local businesses and entertainment are encouraged to register for a free booth space to take part: https://events.humanitix.com/capitol-christmas-tree-whistlestop-tour.
“I have no doubt the community of Ketchikan is going to come together to make the most of this historic occasion,” said Kolarich.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project is led by the Forest Service’s Alaska Region, in partnership with Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber. This is the first time the Tongass is providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
About the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative is a 54-year tradition in which one of America’s 154 national forests provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. The project is made possible with support from partners including nonprofit Society of American Foresters and Alaska Geographic, cash and in-kind contributions from small businesses and large corporations, as well as volunteers throughout Alaska and across the United States.
We invite everyone to learn more and follow the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey at:
Website: www.uscapitolchristmastree.com
Facebook: USCapitolChristmasTree
Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree
Follow Alaska’s National Forests at:
- Alaska Region:
- Tongass National Forest:
- Chugach National Forest:
