State Tree Ushers in Holiday Season

Contact: Kurt Weiss 517-335-0050

Agency: Technology, Management & Budget

October 31, 2011

Lansing - A sixty-one foot Blue Spruce will be delivered to the Capitol lawn at 8:30 AM on Saturday, November 5 to serve as the 2011 state Christmas tree.  After taking nominations from across the state, the chosen tree is being harvested today from Houghton Lake, Michigan in Roscommon County.  The tree was donated by Jerry and Beverly Kilburn of Houghton Lake.

The Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB), with help from the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, will bring the tree to Lansing.  The timbermen cut the tree and transport it to Lansing at no cost to the state.  The DTMB crew will then work with Hi-Ball Company of Lansing, who volunteers a crane and crew to set the tree. 

The tree will be lit on the evening of Friday, November 18 as part of the 27th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration.  Silver Bells in the City, which attracted more than 100,000 in 2010, features an Electric Light Parade, the lighting of Michigan's official tree, and a fireworks display over the State Capitol.  You can learn more about the event by visiting their Web site at http://silverbellsinthecity.org/.

Photo opportunities will be available during the setting of the tree on November 5.