Towns prepare for D.C. tree stops

Thompson Falls and Trout Creek are two of the few "Whistle Stop Event" destinations slated for the 53rd Capitol Christmas Tree Tour. All in all, the tree will stop to be celebrated 19 times on its way to D.C.

The tree will be harvested and loaded on Kootenai National Forest (KNF) lands Wed., Nov. 8 before it begins a long 3,000 mile plus journey to the U.S. Capitol West Lawn. To fill this long but joyous voyage, many community celebrations are slotted to celebrate the tree.

Whitewood Transport of Billings has been selected to transport the precious cargo by means of a Kenworth T680 Advantage featuring designs of a brightly lit Capitol Christmas tree, KNF seal and the U.S. Capitol with a starry sky backdrop displaying, "Big Sky. Big Tree. Big Journey."

The 70 foot trailer hauling the "People's Tree" will arrive at the Trout Creek Community Park Tues., Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. after first stopping in Eureka, Libby and Troy. Trout Creek Community Improvement Association (TCCIA) is planning a fun-filled "community gathering to get in the Christmas spirit," according to TCCIA member Elizabeth Wormwood. Although she says it may seem weird to sing carols in the middle of November; that is just one activity planned for the gathering.

TCCIA is asking volunteers to bake Christmas cookies, goodies and snacks to be served at the event. Hot beverages such as cocoa, cider and coffee will also be available. School has been cancelled for Trout Creek so everyone can be available to attend the spiritual event.

Because this time of year Montana weather is always unpredictable and usually crazy, TCCIA will have pop-up tents assembled to provide shelter for rainy or snowy conditions. Crafting booths will be on site for busy crafters wishing to make ornaments that will travel with the tree and used to decorate it in Washington, D.C. Wormwood said many ornaments have already been made by community members. But with a tree that size you can always use more. She welcomes anyone who has questions or is willing to bake goods for the event to contact her at (406) 827-3226.

Thompson Falls' residents will have a chance to celebrate the tree on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The event will kick off in the Rose Garden parking area precisely at 10:00 a.m. and finish-up promptly at 11:00 a.m. Just like Santa on Christmas Eve, there is a tight schedule that must be abided by.

Elementary students will walk down to the event singing two carols and then become witness to master of ceremonies Santa Claus join Tony Cox, Mark Sheets, and Don Manning address the significance of this experience. Coloring contest winners will be announced at the event and the winner from each of three age groups will be awarded a sled.

Candy canes and hot chocolate will be served to warm those fingers and toes. Keeping fingers limber will come in handy when signing the oversized banner on the truck signifying your personal presence at the occasion. Capitol Christmas Tree ornaments will also be available for purchase.

Danielle Wood, Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce will be handing out goody bags, third annual local business scavenger hunt cards, fliers for the annual gingerbread contest and holiday parade sign-up forms. "The parade is free and we would love to have a record-breaking number of participants this year!" said Wood. According to Wood, she and parade coordinator Joanne Burk, are "hoping to reach our goal of doubling parade participants this year." Last year, thirty parade contestants competed for various category bragging rights. The theme for this year's Christmas on Main St. is "Gingerbread Jubilee."

The Capitol Christmas Tree Whistle Stop celebration is sponsored by Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce. Any inquiries can be addressed by calling Wood at (406) 827-4930.

After visiting Blue Hawk country, the tree is scheduled to visit Missoula, Helena, Great Falls, Harlem (Fort Belknap), Glasgow and Glendive as it leaves Big Sky Country. Nov. 27 the tree is scheduled to arrive at the U.S. Capitol. The tree will officially become a Christmas tree when lights are kindled sometime in early December. The official date will be announced by Paul Ryan, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

KNF partnered with nonprofit Choose Outdoors to bring this gift of Christmas spirit from the great state of Montana to Washington D.C. A different National Forest is chosen each year to provide the famous tree. This is the second time the KNF has had the pleasure to offer a tree able to live up to its job. Thankfully, fires of 2017 had no effect on the tree or its back-up tree.

The tradition of celebrating Christmas with a West Lawn tree dates back to 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representative, Democrat John W. McCormack planted a live Douglas Fir on the grounds to serve as the "People's Tree." Unfortunately, the tree survived only three years before giving in to wind and root damage.

In 1970, the U.S. Forest Service was asked by the Capitol Architect to provide a Christmas tree to continue in the "spirit of Christmas." Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia was given first respects to provide the tree. From then on, Forest Service locations nation-wide have shared this honor.

If interested in scheduled event details, news and updates, or want to track the tree from start to finish, you can visit http://www.capitolchristmas

tree.com or http://www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai. Once the tree has been cut http://www.skybitz.com will also provide tracking of the tree's progression.