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Norwood, CO 
November 10, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - San Miguel County Fairgrounds, 1165 Summit St. 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will make its first stop in a tiny, mighty town! Norwood, a statutory town in San Miguel County, has a population of just over 500 people. The tree’s stop in Norwood serves as a symbol of inspiration for the small, strong towns that make up Colorado. Like any respectable small town, Norwood has an array of charming places to dine and stay, including: 

Montrose, CO 
November 10, 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Montrose Visitor Center, 107 S. Cascade Ave. 

The Mayor of Montrose, Barbara Bynum, is dedicating the city’s tree event to celebrating Colorado’s public lands and natural resources. This event will be free and open to the public. Face coverings are required, and social distancing measures will be in place. Often described as the ‘Hub of Western Colorado’, a visit to Montrose wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the area’s outdoor and hiking hot-spots, including: 

Ouray, CO 
November 11, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Ouray County Courthouse, 541 4th St. 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be making its third stop in Ouray at the Ouray County Courthouse. The courthouse is in the Ouray Historic District and was constructed in 1888. It was even featured in John Wayne’s True Grit. So, in addition to making history, the tree will also make its mark on a historical landmark. While you’re in Ouray, visit: 

Grand Junction, CO
November 11, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St. 

In Grand Junction, the tree will be carried into town and to the Grand Junction Convention Center by the Patriot Guard Riders and Grand Junction Police. Since this will be on Veterans Day, this event will double as a ceremony honoring our nation’s vets. After the honoring ceremony, guests can enjoy holiday music, cider, and hot cocoa. Grab your face covering, family, friends, and plenty of spirit to participate in the festivities and honor our veterans and their families. If you’re visiting Grand Junction, stop by: 

Paonia, CO
November 12, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Grand Avenue between 2nd St and 3rd St. 

Paonia produces an abundance of fruit and vegetables. So, stop by the many markets and bistros for a fresh bite to eat. For nature lovers, nearby parks offer access to lakes, forests, and wildlife. Paonia is a Certified Colorado Creative District and part of the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition, an area full of galleries, artist studios, shops and arts-related events. While in Paonia, check out: 

Gunnison, CO 
November 12, 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Gunnison Community School, 1099 N. 11th St. 

Surrounded by parks, ski areas, and lakes — and populated by friendly locals — Gunnison, Colorado can feel like a cattleman’s town that provides quick access to activities, great food, and interesting shops and galleries. While in Gunnison, stop by: 

Salida, CO 
November 13, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Salida High School, 26 Jones Ave. 

Charming, friendly, artistic and historic — there's plenty to keep visitors busy throughout the year in Salida. It is not only the largest historic district in the state, but it also has some of the most significant and beautiful historic buildings in Colorado. Historic details can be found in every nook and cranny as you explore this walkable downtown. While in Salida, take in: 

Denver, CO 
November 14, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Bass Pro Shops, 7970 Northfield Blvd. 

There’s much to do in the Mile-High City while the tree is in town. Denver is an outdoor city known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries, chef-driven dining and red-hot music scene. While in Denver, stop by: 

Burlington, CO 
November 15, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Kit Karson County Fairgrounds, 815 15th St. 

Experience the magic of Colorado’s Central Plains and get a glimpse of the tree against a gorgeous backdrop of oceans of wheat and corn. This stop along the tree’s cross-country trip to the capital is sure to get you excited about the start of the holiday season! During your visit to Burlington, take in: 

Asheville, NC 
November 17, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd, Food Court Parking Lot 

The tree will arrive in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on this stop at the Asheville Outlets. You can view the tree in-person or by car, and participate in several fun holiday festivities, including an appearance by Santa Claus, a hot cocoa station, a holiday photo booth, food trucks, and a toy drive! 

All activities are free and open to the public. Get the full details here, and be sure to also visit these Asheville spots: 

Joint Base Andrews
November 19 - Joint Base Andrews, MD 

After logging more than 1,800 miles, the tree will arrive at Joint Base Andrews, the final stop on its cross-country journey to the capital. Once the tree is on base, our servicemen and women and their families will help deck the halls by unwrapping and prepping the tree for display on Capitol Hill. 

Joint Base Andrews is the premier joint base in the National Capital Region; home to the 316th Wing, 89th Airlift Wing and Air Force One, 113th Wing, ANG Readiness Center, 459th Air Refueling Wing and Naval Air Facility Washington. 

 

U.S. Capitol Building
November 20 – Washington D.C. 

The arrival of “The People’s Tree” officially signals the start of the holiday season for many. Crews will use a large crane to position the tree on the West Lawn of Capitol Hill where 55-foot tall and 25-foot wide Engelmann Spruce will stand proudly as a beacon of holiday hope and cheerleading up to the tree lighting ceremony. The lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree takes place in a special event hosted in early December. The tree will light up our nation’s capital each night following the ceremony through January 1, 2021. 

There are plenty of places to visit in D.C., including: 

History of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

In 1964, the first official Capitol Christmas Tree was planted on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Since 1970, the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service has provided the trees for decoration and the annual lighting ceremony. Watch this video from the Architect of the Capitol to learn more. 

About Apex Transportation

The Colorado-based company has been a leading transportation provider in flatbed services since 1996. The nation’s holiday tree is in the trusted hands of two experienced Apex drivers, Theron Schmalzried and William Hanna. The dedicated truckers each have over 40 years of commercial driving experience under their belts and have won prestigious awards for their driving performance.

 

Omnitracs and Apex Transportation

Discover more about the Omnitracs applications and devices Apex is using to deliver the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to its final destination.

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