ALTOONA, Iowa (November 8, 2024) – The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is making a special appearance in Altoona as part of its 4,000-mile journey from Alaska to Washington, D.C. Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. Alaska’s National Forests, in partnership with Society of American Foresters and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, are bringing the ”Peoples Tree” to Altoona on Friday November 15, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Bass Pro Shops.
In addition to viewing the tree, there will be photo opportunities with Santa and his reindeer, hot cocoa provided by the Salvation Army, along with the opportunity to sign the banner traveling with the tree's truck on its journey to Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will make a stop in Altoona on its journey to Washington, D.C. This will be an exciting day for our community and the people to be part of this gift to the nation. We encourage everyone to stop out at Bass Pro Shops in Altoona to admire the tree and sign the banner," said Catch Des Moines President and CEO Greg Edwards.
The 80-foot Sitka spruce was harvested from the Tongass National Forest in late October. Its journey will include a series of community celebrations before it is delivered to the U.S. Capitol on November 22, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially created by Alaskans.
The tree’s journey is possible with the generous support of presenting sponsor 84 Lumber along with Kenworth Truck Company, Lynden Transport, Hale Truck and Trailer, SEALONCE, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Geographic, KTUU, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Ironwood Forestry, Truckload Carriers Association, TreeSwift, T3, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., Verizon Frontline, and more.
The top priority is the safety of tour staff, event attendees, and the tree; local public health guidelines will be followed. The public is asked to be aware of the large truck’s substantial blind spots, wide turns, and longer stopping distances on our roads as they welcome the tree to their communities.
For more information on the Altoona event, visit catchdesmoines.com/event/capitol-christmas-tree-tour. For news, events, and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com, @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook and Instagram.
About Catch Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.