Capitol Christmas Tree Ornament Kickoff Set During McCall Winter Carnival

 Washington, D.C.  - Idaho will supply the nation's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree this year and, with, that honor comes thousands of hand-made ornaments that will decorate not only the national tree, but offices for Congress in Washington, D.C.

Idahoans from students to retirees can assist in the ornament effort.  The U.S. Forest Service will select this year's Capitol Christmas Tree from the Payette National Forest later this year.  To celebrate Idaho's recognition and kickoff the Christmas effort, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Payette National Forest Supervisor Keith Lannom, McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon, other elected leaders and officials from McCall and Valley County and students will gather following the McCall Winter Carnival Parade to announce and demonstrate the ornament effort.

"It is fitting that we kick off Idaho's role in the national ornament effort at the McCall Winter Carnival," Crapo said.  "I hope all Idahoans will help contribute an ornament so we can give our state a strong showing in Washington, D.C."

"It's a great honor to be chosen as the Forest to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, said Lannom.  "This is truly a gift from all of Idaho to our nation, and the ornaments will highlight the wonderful things about our state by mimicking our state symbols such as the Mountain Blue Bird, Monarch Butterfly, Appaloosa horse, the Syringa and many others."

"I encourage the citizens of McCall and our visitors alike to take part in Saturday's ornament event. It's a wonderful and unique way to share the spirit of McCall with the rest of the country," said Mayor Aymon.

News conference and kickoff for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Ornament Program

Saturday, January 30 ^th

2:00 PM  (Follows the McCall Winter Carnival Parade)

Next to the Hotel McCall at the U.S. Forest Service Ornament Yurt

Materials will be provided for making ornaments at the yurt.