Submitted photo Mon Power lineman help decorate downtown Elkins in preparation for tonight’s celebration of this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree being harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County.

A parade for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s visit to Elkins will begin at 6 p.m. tonight, and will travel from the Jennings Randolph Federal Building to the Elkins Depot.

ELKINS — Mon Power has helped Elkins decorate in preparation for tonight’s celebration of this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree being harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County.

Elkins is hosting a parade for the public from 6-8 p.m., and offering local residents a first peek at the national tree.

A procession of local bands will kick off the festivities at the Jennings Randolph Federal Building on Third Street, and lead the tree through the decorations Mon Power installed along Randolph Avenue.

The parade will conclude at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center. The event will include complimentary treats and hot chocolate, a coat drive, live music and children’s activities.

“Mon Power is thrilled to have been asked by the city to help prepare the town for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Jim Myers, president of West Virginia Operations for Mon Power. “Randolph Avenue looks festive and welcoming thanks to line crews that were able use our bucket trucks to easily decorate otherwise hard to reach areas.”

Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco said, “The city is honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will kick off its journey to Washington, D.C., here in Elkins. We are grateful that companies like Mon Power have been so supportive in helping the community put together the celebration this occasion deserves.”

Once the tree is delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 17, it will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially created by West Virginians.

Mon Power helped hang large holiday wreaths and snowflakes on light poles along Randolph Avenue in Elkins, in preparation for tonight’s special events.

Mon Power provided an in-kind donation of bucket trucks, equipment and crews to hang the holiday decorations, and will remove them in January.

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 was harvested in the Monongahela National Forest in Randolph County Wednesday. It’s the first time since 1976 that a tree was selected from West Virginia.