LOVELAND, Colo — One of the largest Christmas trees in the United States is preparing for a cross-country tour.
The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will kick off a three-week tour on Oct. 30 that will travel from Wrangell, Alaska, to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
The 74-foot Sitka spruce will be harvested from the Tongass National Forest in late October. The tree will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol's West Lawn on Nov. 22.
A 4,000-mile journey will see the large Christmas tree travel by boat and by truck, on a custom trailer. The tree will make 11 whistle-stops on its tour to the nation's capitol, including in Grand Junction and Loveland in Colorado.
The "People's Tree" will stop at Cabela's in Grand Junction on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 3 to 5 p.m.
The tree will also make a stop at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The public is invited to come and see the tree, as well as get free stickers and pins while learning about Alaska's national forests and the 54-year tradition of the U.S. Forest Service providing the tree.
The Loveland tour stop will also have hot cocoa, crafts and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
"We are thrilled to welcome the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Loveland and The Ranch Events Complex," said Conor McGrath, director of The Ranch Events Complex. "This beautiful tree represents the spirit of our community and the joy of the holiday season, bringing us together in celebration on Veterans Day."
"We are thrilled to welcome the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Loveland, the heart of northern Colorado," said Chris Bierdeman of Visit Loveland. "Make plans to join us for a fun and festive holiday event and see the famed tree as it makes its journey to Washington D.C."
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour Stops
Wednesday, Oct. 30 – Ketchikan, Alaska
- Alaska Marine Highway Terminal (3501 Tongass Ave.)
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8 – Baker City, Ore.
- Baker County Fairgrounds & Event Center -Rodeo Grounds (2600 E. St.)
- Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Pocatello, Idaho
- The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade (700 E. Lewis St.)
- Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Murray, Utah
- Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation’s Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S 900 E)
- Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 10 – Grand Junction, Colo.
- Cabela’s (2424 US-6)
- Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 11 – Loveland, Colo.
- The Ranch Events Complex (5280 Arena Cir.)
- Time: 4 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 13 – Omaha, Neb.
- Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront (345 Riverfront Dr.)
- Time: To be announced
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Parkview Field (1301 Ewing St.)
- Time: 4 to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17 – Columbus, Ohio
- Center of Science and Industry (333 W. Broad St.)
- Time: 1 to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Hagerstown, Md.
- The Maryland Theater (21 S. Potomac St.)
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 21 – Joint Base Andrews, Md.
- Andrews Theater (1674 D St.)
- Time: To be determined
- Note: DoD with installation access only
