2021 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Celebration #PeoplesTree

Come see “Sugar Bear” in Crescent City, the 84-foot tall white fir tree that will be on display at our nation’s capitol in Washington D.C during the upcoming holidays.

Crescent City, California will be the first stop of the cross-country tour as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree makes its way to the White House lawn. Sugar Bear was found after an extensive nationwide search of National Forest land. And the perfect tree was found within the Six Rivers National Forest here in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties.

Mark your calendar for a “Many Peoples, One Tree” community-wide celebration and festivities at Beachfront Park in downtown Crescent City on October 29, 2021 from 9 AM to 12 Pm. And give a big hand to our local community and kids for making a record-breaking 1,000 ornaments to decorate the tree with. If you’d like to make an ornament or a tree skirt, you have until September 15, 2021. Follow Sugar Bear’s journey across the United States and watch the tree lighting in early December by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives — for 51 years, this has been a time-honored tradition with the U.S. Forest Service.

FESTIVITIES

• Trick or treating for the kids  (costumes welcome)
• Sign the banner on the side of the truck that will drive Sugar Bear across the U.S.
• Ornament, cookie making and games
• Photo opportunities with Woodsy the Owl, Smokey the Bear, Mrs. Claus, Bigfoot, and many more costumed mascots
• Performances by the Del Norte High School Band and Madrigals
• Learn more about the Six Rivers National Forest
• Purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise

DEL NORTE COUNTY 5TH GRADER CHOSEN AS THE OFFICIAL YOUTH TREE LIGHTER

Michael Mavris, a fifth-grade student from Mary Peacock Elementary in Del Norte County, was selected as the youth tree lighter in a surprise joint call between U.S. Representative Jared Huffman and Forest Supervisor Ted McArthur, Thursday.

Michael’s essay was chosen out of 53 submissions using the prompt, “What does the theme ‘Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree’ mean to you?”

Huxley Cantrell of Trinity County and Merrik Wilton of Humboldt County were selected as their county’s respective winners.

“Michael, Huxley, Merrik, and the rest of the students submitted wonderful essays in our contest, and Michael’s heartfelt piece is a wonderful addition to this holiday tradition,” Rep. Huffman said. “I am proud to represent the district which this year’s Capitol Christmas tree is from, and grateful that Michael will be able to accompany it to Washington, D.C.”

As the youth tree lighter, Michael will first participate in the Harvest ceremony on Oct. 24 providing an opportunity to read his essay aloud before traveling with a family member to Washington D.C. to participate in the lighting ceremony on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in early December.

There will also be memorable keepsakes from Congressman Huffman’s office, the U.S. Forest Service, and a monetary award for the winning student and the two county winners. These prizes are made possible by funding provided by Daniel Gomez, Retired Fire Captain/Paramedic, North Tahoe Fire Protection District, and Jennifer Montgomery, Retired Director of the California Governor’s Forest Management Task Force. Flights are provided by Alaska Airlines.

A portion of Michael’s essay reads: “As the lights are strung and the ornaments placed, we, the People who live in the tree’s symbolic shadow, hope that its beauty and grandeur provide a beacon to America and a reminder on this Christmas, that all things are possible.”

For more information and to get involved, contact Supervisor Valerie Starkey at valerie.starkey@co.del-norte.ca.us