Alaska is celebrating the fact that the Chugach National Forest was selected to provide the nation with the 2015 Capitol Christmas Tree, marking the first time a Capitol Tree will come from the great state of Alaska. The Chugach proved that it’s never too early to start the Christmas festivities! Crowds of people came out to celebrate Christmas in July outside of Alaska Geographic’s headquarters in Ship Creek. All were greeted by a cast of characters from Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl to Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a herd of live reindeer.
Kids had the opportunity to try paddling in a kayak pool, Swing 49 performed live music, Alaska Native dancers performed for the crowd and even led attendees in a traditional dance. Youth and adults made ornaments that will adorn the Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. Anyone who made an ornament was entered into a contest to win a train and boat tour in Prince William Sound or in Kenai Fjords tour compliments of Major Marine Tours and Alaska Railroad! The event was made possible by the contest sponsors and by many other partners including Choose Outdoors, Lynden Transport, and Coca-Cola.
Alaska Geographic is collaborating with the Chugach National Forest to facilitate opportunities for Alaskans from across the state to create ornaments that will adorn the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which is coming from an Alaskan forest for the first time in history! Please stay posted on the Capitol Christmas Tree website for upcoming events.
