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ELKINS - The 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit Elkins in early November on its way to Washington, D.C., officials announced.
The free event, set for Saturday, Nov. 4, will feature a parade, live music and activities for children.
"We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will kick off its journey to Washington, D.C. from Elkins," Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco said. "Our community looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation and the joy it will bring to our community this holiday."
Each year the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the holiday season. This year's tree will be harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County.
The Monongahela National Forest, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, will bring the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from West Virginia to Washington, D.C..
The 63-foot-tall Norway Spruce will be harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in early November. The journey to D.C. will include a series of outdoor community celebrations before the tree is delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 17, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially created by West Virginians.
The Nov. 4 festivities in Elkins will include remarks by invited government officials, free treats and hot chocolate, as well as a coat drive, music and children's activities.
The event will begin with a parade, as local bands escort the tree down Third Street from the Jennings Randolph Federal Building to the Elkins Depot. Onlookers will receive small U.S. and West Virginia flags, provided by Our Town, Inc., to wave as the bands and trees go by.
Parade viewers will then be encouraged to join the back of the parade and march along to the Depot. Once there, the festivities will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Elves from The Old Brick Playhouse will join the celebration, as well. The event is free and open to the public.
The Elkins Depot Welcome Center will be decorated, and the nearby streets will be adorned with wreaths purchased in honor or memoriam by local citizens. The installation of these wreaths and six snowflakes on Randolph Avenue is being provided by a donation from FirstEnergy.
The "Elfkins Planning Team" has been working on the arrangements for this kick-off event. The planning team includes Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco and his staff, the Randolph County Development Authority, the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber, Elkins Main Street, the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, the Old Brick Playhouse, Citizens Promoting Community, and Our Town, Inc.
Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Organizations can provide treats, gifts or activities for children to enjoy while at the celebration.
To participate, please contact Lisa Wood at the Chamber at 304-636-2717, or send email to lisa.wood@erccc.com.
The tree's journey is possible with the support of presenting sponsor 84 Lumber along with Kenworth Truck Company, Werner Enterprises, Hale Truck and Trailer, Spireon, Verizon Frontline, Society of American Foresters, All Crane & Equipment Rental, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Truckload Carriers Association, AHF Products, Bruce, Armstrong Flooring and Robbins flooring brands, Great West Casualty Company, Warwood Tool, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc. and more.
For more information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com, @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram, and @MonongahelaNF on Facebook.