Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite all to join them on the evening of Monday, December 2, for the annual lighting of Idaho’s Capitol Christmas Tree on the Capitol steps beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Brenda Mee and Kevin Mee of Boise radio station 101.9 The Bull will emcee the event. The Andrus Ambassador Honor Choir from Meridian’s Cecil D. Andrus Elementary School and Idaho’s 25^th Army Band will provide festive entertainment.

Immediately following the ceremony, guests are invited inside the Capitol to view holiday decorations and visit with Idaho’s Constitutional Officers.

This year’s tree is donated by Cory and Chelsea Skinner, whose residence is located at 5830 N. Garrett Street in Garden City. After the tree is trimmed and set, it’s estimated to stand about 30 feet high.

The Blue Spruce was planted when the house was built in 1977; the Skinner family has lived at the residence since 2016.

“Donating the tree is an amazing opportunity to be part of the state’s history,” Chelsea Skinner said. “We can’t wait to see the whole process, from cutting it down to lighting it up.”

The relocation process is a joint effort. The Idaho Department of Lands will cut and rig the tree for lifting, Boise Crane will load, and the Idaho Transportation Department will haul the tree to its destination at the Statehouse. Boise City Police will provide the escort.

Cutting begins about 9 a.m. on Monday, November 25. It’s journey to the Statehouse is estimated to begin sometime around 11:30 a.m. The Idaho Department of Administration’s Facility Services crew will begin stringing thousands of LED lights on the tree and decorating the interior of the Capitol the next morning.

“The holidays are a time of the year when the things that are truly important in life become evident,” Governor Little said. “I am happy to join with my fellow Idahoans to reflect on the year and celebrate all the joy and blessings this year has brought us.”

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NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary

208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison@gov.idaho.gov