Arizona to send this year's Christmas tree

The state of Arizona in three weeks is planning to deliver the 45th Capitol Christmas tree across more than 2,000 miles, said Capitol and state officials on Monday.

The 85-foot blue spruce tree is scheduled to arrive on the morning of Monday, Nov. 30, along the Capitol’s West Front, outside of the Capitol Visitor’s Center, where officials plan to secure the tree in the ground and decorate it with around 5,000 ornaments crafted by Arizonans.

One of the tree’s sponsors, Allegra Print and Imaging company, has set up a website called, capitolchristmastree2009.org, which allows users to track the tree from Arizona to Washington, D.C. as it makes it’s journey.

According to the site, nearly 10,000 ornaments and 75 smaller companion trees are expected to accompany the Capitol tree to be placed in offices through the Capitol campus.

Arizona Gov. Janice K. Brewer invited state residents to “work together to show the country the hard work, innovation, and generous spirit of all Arizonans.” This year’s theme is “Arizona’s Gift from the Grand Canyon State.”

The tree was harvested from Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest this past Saturday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is scheduled to host a lighting ceremony Dec. 8 on the West Front lawn.

“Each year, the arrival of the Capitol Christmas tree kicks off a joyous holiday time,” said Pelosi in a statement. “This year, Arizona will be showcasing the Grand Canyon State with their magnificent tree and ornaments. May ‘the people’s tree’ light the way for blessed and happy holidays.”

The office of the Architect of the Capitol announced on Monday that for the fifth consecutive year, it would be decorating the tree with strands of LED lights, which use less electricity and have a longer lifespan.

The tree is planned to be lit from night fall until 11 p.m. each evening through January 1, 2010.