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California State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony in Sacramento has
become an event that many laud for its efforts to become
environmentally friendly. Yes, a Douglas fir tree is used for the
event, and no, it doesn't qualify as the largest or tallest. It's a
beautiful tree each years, sparkling with colorful lights, garland,
stars and the lit Capitol dome shining behind it.
Several things are unique about
the tree lighting ceremony and the lights, themselves. The tree last
year was donated by the U.S. Forest Service, Institute of Forest
Genetics, and contained 6,500 LED lights and more than 2,000
ornaments. The Department of Developmental Services provided 1,500
of those ornaments, handcrafted by children and adults with
developmental disabilities, who receive services and support from
state developmental centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.
In keeping with the governor's commitment to reduce California’s
carbon footprint, the 55-foot majestic white fir tree was powered by
a hydrogen fuel cell system, a one-kilowatt fuel cell.
A toy drive supplied toys for
children at several nonprofit agencies for kids in need, and the
first ornament was hung on the tree by a beautiful child, a girl
from San Jose with Down's Syndrome. Each year a special child gets
to place an ornament on the tree, which is enjoyed outside the
Capitol building in downtown Sacramento.
The event usually begins around
4:30 p.m. (in 2007, it was lit on Tuesday, December 4). A choir,
some pageantry and then the lighting all celebrate the holidays in
Sacramento, a destination that sees year-round tourists visiting the
Capitol on tours, or conventioneers attending conferences,
conventions and events across the street from the Capitol and the
Sacramento Convention Center. Among the popular holiday celebrations
in Sacramento is the fabulous performance of
The Nutcracker by the
Sacramento Ballet.
Where to stay:
Hyatt Regency Sacramento,
1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA;
and
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, 1230 J Street, Sacramento,
CA
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