U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistle Stop Event
Saturday, October 30, 2021
Fortuna River Lodge Conference Center
1800 Riverwalk Drive
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
As part of the 51-year USDA Forest Service tradition, the Six Rivers National Forest is providing the 2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which will grace the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season.
“The Six Rivers has the great responsibility of identifying and providing the Peoples Tree for the upcoming holiday season,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor. “What better way to showcase the uniqueness and beauty of our great state than by decorating it with ornaments and tree skirts handmade by Californians.”
The tradition of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, or "The People’s Tree," began in 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John W. McCormack (D-MA) placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn. This tree lived three years before succumbing to wind and root damage. In 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree. Since then, a different national forest has been chosen each year to provide "The People’s Tree,” which includes a public engagement campaign to create connections and celebrate our national forests.
The process of providing the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is a year-long undertaking. Among other things, it includes the selection of “The People’s Tree”, providing 70 companion trees for offices throughout Washington, D.C.; partnership with local and state groups in the creation of 10-15,000 ornaments that celebrate the state’s cultural history and people, landscapes, natural resources, and fish and wildlife; public events during the transportation of the tree to Washington, D.C. and multiple receptions surrounding the tree lighting in Washington, D.C. in December.
FOOD DRIVE FOR SANTA'S SLEIGH
Bring $5.00 worth of non-perishable food to receive a $5.00 gift card from Cornerstone Realty. First 40 donations will receive a gift card. Limit one card per family/attendee.
TAKE HOME ORNAMENT KITS
Ornament kits featuring a design template and supplies will be provided. Kits will make at least two ornaments. Supplies donated by A.M. Baird Engineering and the Fortuna Post Office.
*FREE* HOT APPLE CIDER
Stop at the Fortuna Kiwanis Club table and sip on some hot apple cider.
SUPPORT CA CANCER CRUSHER
Purchase a pink patch at the Fortuna Police Department table. Patches are $12.00 and proceeds benefit California Cancer Crusher.
FORTUNA POLICE K9 PROGRAM
Learn more about the K9 program and meet our K9 officers Cain and Blitz.
INTERPRETIVE DISPLAY
Walk through a 120' interpretive display by the US Forest Service. Pick up a goodie bag at the Forest Service booth and the Choose Outdoors booth. Read more about the creation of the display with the help of HSU students.
FOOD TRUCK
Dine at Loncheria Mi Pueblito Food Truck.
