U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Visit Mariposa, California During 2021 Tour
“People’s Tree” will spread holiday joy on cross-country journey from California to Washington, D.C.
October 29, 2021 - MARIPOSA, CA – Every year, the USDA Forest Service selects one of its 154 national forests to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Six Rivers National Forest in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors will bring this special gift from California to Washington, D.C. for the 2021 holiday season. The Tree will make a special appearance in Mariposa on Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 12:00 noon - 2:00 P.M., at the old Frost Shop lot (5087 State Highway 140).
Under the theme, Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree, the 84’ tall White Fir was harvested on the Six Rivers National Forest on October 23 and prepared for the 3,300-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of 25 outdoor community celebrations before being delivered to the U.S. Capitol on November 19. The Tree will then be decorated with handmade ornaments and tree skirts specially created by Californians and lit in early December.
“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree campaign exists to connect people from across California and throughout the country to the outdoors and their public lands,” said Ted McArthur, forest supervisor for the Six Rivers National Forest. “We are honored to represent California national forests and bring the joy of the People’s Tree on its journey to Washington, D.C.”
Festivities during the tree’s visit to Mariposa on Thursday, November 4, 2021, will include a visit with Santa and Mountain Mrs. Claus, performances by the Mariposa County High School Band, songs by children from Mariposa Elementary School, participation from our local Native American community, talks about the tree’s history by Mountain Mrs. Claus and about Six Rivers National Forest by Yosemite National Park’s Ranger Scott Gediman. In addition, there will be activities and giveaways provided by the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s crew. Activities are open to the public and free for all to enjoy while following local health guidelines.
“Mariposa is honored to host the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. This is going to be an exciting community event as we wish the Capitol tree safe travels across the country.” said Miles Menetrey, Mariposa County Supervisor, District 5. Supervisor Menetrey has been the lead in the organization of Mariposa’s celebration.
The initiative made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources. 2021 sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, System Transport, ABC Sacramento, Spireon, Inc., PG&E, Hale Trailer, Mountain F Enterprises, Visit California, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Society of American Foresters, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Meritor, Inc., Coast Central Credit Union, Alaska Airlines, BT Metals, The Forest Foundation, Green Diamond Resource Company, Sierra Pacific Industries, Mendocino and Humboldt Redwood Companies, Trinity County, Verizon, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Bass Pro Shops, BERG Co, Vesmir, Gene Lucas Community Center, Dick Taylor Chocolates, Humboldt Craft Spirits, Humboldt Marketplace, and ChicoBag & To-Go Ware.
Mariposa’s local sponsors include the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, Mountain Mrs., Mariposa Lions Club, Mariposa Rotary Club, Mariposa County Sheriff, Mariposa County Fire, Cal Fire, Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Mariposa, Mariposa County High School Band, Mariposa County Public Works, Joanna Ransom Photography, and Property Owners Gene Mickel and Richard Radanovich.
“We are grateful to the host cities such as Mariposa, who play a vital role in bringing the tree across the country and this annual celebration to life”, said Bruce Ward, President, Choose Outdoors.”
For more information on the Mariposa event, visit www.mountainmrs.com/capitolchristmastreemariposa or the Facebook Page “U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Mariposa Stopover”. For news, events, and tour information, visit www.uscapitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Keep up with the trees trip at: www.capitoltreetracker.com.
Source: Mountain Mrs. Claus
