2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stopping in Laramie

Press Release – Local U.S. Forest Service staff are set to participate in an event this weekend where the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be displayed in Laramie, on Sunday Nov. 18 from 9-10 a.m. at the Wyoming Territorial Prison.

This event will allow the public to see the tree that will be placed at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. for Christmas.

Attendees will have the chance to sign banners on the sides of the truck to wish the tree well, learn more about the origin of the tree, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise and more.

Smokey Bear is expected to make an appearance and weather-permitting, permits to cut your own Christmas tree on National Forest will be available for sale.

Additionally, the first 100 people in attendance will receive a commemorative Christmas ornament from the City of Laramie. Several guest speakers will be in attendance at the Wyoming Territorial Prison, including Laramie Mayor Andi Summerville and Laramie Parks Director Todd Feezer.

The tree is traveling east on Interstate 80 and will depart at 10 a.m. towards Nebraska.

The Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site is located at 975 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY, 82070.

Every year, a different National Forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the Christmas season. The Willamette National Forest in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and Travel Oregon will bring this special gift from Oregon to Washington, D.C. for the 2018 season, involving more than 25 communities along the way.

The theme for the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is “Find Your Trail!” in recognition of two 2018 anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act and the 175th commemoration of the Oregon Trail. The tree will travel eastward from Oregon on the reverse path of the Oregon Trail. The 3,000-mile expedition will culminate with the official tree lighting in early December.

For related U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree news, events, and to track the tree cross-country, visit www.capitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.