Governor Ivey Provides Details of Recently Delivered Evergreen, Invites Alabamians to Join for Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced the details of the official Capitol Christmas tree and invited all Alabamians to join her for the annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Arriving at the Alabama State Capitol with a blue siren escort, an Eastern Red Cedar was harvested and delivered to the front steps by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Monday afternoon.
As trees in years past have measured in at approximately 35 feet high, this year’s cedar boasts a towering height of 45-feet, earning it the recognition of being the largest displayed Capitol Christmas tree in the state’s history.
Each year, upon the tree’s arrival, a team of ALDOT workers lock, even and center cut the tree before it is hoisted into its stand.
Throughout the week, ALDOT workers have garnished the Coosa County evergreen with 50,000 lights, 67 stars representing Alabama’s 67 counties and handmade ornaments from the Garden Club of Alabama. Each handcrafted decoration will reflect the theme of “Every Light a Prayer for Peace.”
Governor Ivey shared this message on Thursday, after visiting with the ALDOT employees as they decorated the official state Christmas tree.
“I extend my gratitude to the volunteers and employees who are adorning the state Christmas tree and readying the Capitol grounds for our upcoming festivities. I invite all Alabamians to join us in kicking off the merriest of seasons, Christmas,” said Governor Ivey.
The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, December 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda area of the Alabama State Capitol. The theme of the program is “Every Light a Prayer for Peace.”
Beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. Friday, the 151st Army National Guard Band will play various musical selections. At 5:30 p.m., the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place. Governor Ivey, Trinity Presbyterian Church Montgomery Rev. Kurt Cooper, Brigadier General William Freeman, among others will deliver remarks. The governor will join in the countdown before she flips the switch to light the official state Christmas tree.
“As we begin celebrating the joyous season of Christmas, let us embrace our values of faith, family and freedom that define our great nation, while remembering that the greatest gift of all came from humble beginnings in a stable,” said Governor Ivey. “I look forward to gathering together this evening and wishing all Alabamians a very Merry Christmas as we light the tree.”
The full photo album of Governor Ivey’s visit with ALDOT workers can be viewed here:
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Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov