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Truckload Carriers Association Proudly Supports the 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

“The People’s Tree” will make special stop in Asheville, North Carolina on Tuesday, November 17

Every year, a different national forest is selected to provide a tree to appear on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and Colorado Tourism will bring this special gift from Colorado to Washington, D.C. for the 2020 holiday season with support from sponsors, including the Truckload Carriers Association.

Under the theme, Experience Your Nature, the 55’ tall Engelmann Spruce will be cut on the Uncompahgre National Forest on November 6 and prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of 10 outdoor, community celebrations primarily within the state of Colorado and will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on November 20. The tree will then be decorated by handmade ornaments specially created by Coloradans and be lit on the West Lawn in early December.

“For the tenth year, the Truckload Carriers Association is honored to support the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative,” shares its President John Lyboldt. “We’re looking forward to hosting a whistle stop in Asheville, North Carolina, which will provide an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season in Asheville and on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. We are thankful to our National Forest’s dedicated and professional workforce for all they do throughout the year and during this special occasion.”

This year’s whistle stop — a free event, open to the public — will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 17 at the Asheville Outlets in the Food Court Parking Lot.

Event goers can participate by remaining in their vehicle, passing through the event to see “The People’s Tree,” or socially distance in person to enjoy offerings by local vendors. View event map here.

Thanks to our supportive partners, the event will offer:

• Complimentary bags which contain hand sanitizer and a personal marker to sign the tree’s banner (while supplies last);
• Live remote broadcasts with iHeart Media’s 99.9 KISS Country Eddie Fox, 104.3 STAR Ariel Rymer, and 570 WWNC Mark Starling;
• Hot cocoa station, ITeam Games, and photobooth sponsored by Ingles Markets;
• Toy drive benefitting Eblen Charities;
• Food and beverages by Chick-fil-A and Sierra Nevada; and
• A special appearance by Santa Claus.

“The annual journey is only possible with the help of strong community partnerships throughout Colorado and beyond state lines,” said Choose Outdoors President Bruce Ward. “We’re grateful for the time and resources TCA is providing to help make this the best year yet.”

The initiative was made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small as well as volunteers locally and across America, who provide vital support of time and resources. 2020 sponsors include Kenworth Truck Company, Apex Transportation, 42 Degrees North Media, Spireon, Inc., Hale Trailer, Chuck Leavell, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, STIHL, Truckload Carriers Association, Great West Casualty Company, Valley Crane, Red Wing Shoes, National Forest Foundation, Society of American Foresters, LexisNexis VitalChek Network, Inc., The Joy Trip Project, Loki, Montrose County, Delta County, Seirus, TravelCenters of America, Bass Pro Shops, Citizens State Bank, and Vesmir.

For news, events and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com and @uscapitolchristmastree on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

To view photos and updates from the Asheville event, follow the hashtag #CCTAsheville on social media networks.