Wyoming tree arriving in DC to adorn Capitol

[May 10, 2011]  JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) -- A 67-foot-tall Engleman spruce from northwest Wyoming is arriving in Washington, D.C., to be this year's U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.

The tree is scheduled to reach the west entrance of the Capitol Monday morning. It will be decorated with ornaments made by Wyoming residents, and the lights will be switched on Dec. 7.

It's the first time the Capitol tree has come from Wyoming.

Wyoming Sen. Michael Barasso applied in 2007 to have Wyoming be the provider. A search began a year ago in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the Capitol superintendent of grounds made his choice in July.

It was felled in November and loaded on a truck for a winding journey of nearly 5,000 miles with stops for 35 community celebrations.

[Associated Press]

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