On November 16th, 2018 beginning at 04:00 pm, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be making its way through the Great State of Wyoming. The large Christmas icon will make several short stops along the way to allow for public viewing before arriving in Washington, D.C. on November 26th.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition for over 50 years, with a different state participating each year. This year the 80 foot tall Noble Fir was harvested from the Williamette National Forest in Oregon. It began the long journey to Washington, D.C. on November 2nd, 2018, and is signifying the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail by utilizing a reverse route. It will travel by truck with the assistance from law enforcement escorts.
In Wyoming, the Capitol Christmas Tree will be stopping at the Ft. Bridger Historic Site on November 17th from approximately 09:00 to 10:00 am before continuing to Laramie, Wyoming. The tree will be displayed at the Wyoming Territorial Prison in Laramie on November 18th at 09:00 am and will depart at 10:00 am towards Nebraska. Several guest speakers will be in attendance at the Wyoming Territorial Prison, including the Laramie Mayor Andi Summerville and Laramie Parks Director Todd Feezer.
Various agencies are assisting with the escort and security of the tree during the journey. In Wyoming, these agencies include the U.S. Park Service, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming State Parks, Evanston and Laramie Police Departments as well as Uinta and Albany County Sheriff’s Offices.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was last harvested in Wyoming in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in 2010.