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California State Capitol Tree Lighting
December 10, 2009
December 10, 2009 Celebrate the holidays with the State Capitol's
annual tree lighting event.
Phone: (916) 324-0333
December 10, 2009
Time: 5:30pm
California State Capitol- West Steps
Sacramento, CA 95811
Sacramento,
Calif. -- 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. 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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