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U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Stops in Grand Junction

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Nov 8, 2012 at 5:56 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 8, 2012 at 11:47 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is making its way to Washington, where it will be on display for the world to see.

Not only did the big spruce tree come from Colorado, but many of the decorations that will adorn it have been made by Colorado children.

Grand Junction was the 73-foot tree's third stop; it has about 30 more to go before it reaches its final destination.

Residents sipped on apple cider, created ornaments for the tree and even got to see Santa and Smokey Bear.

"We'll have decorations on this tree that will be displayed in Washington, D.C., all over the world; what a deal today," said the mayor of Grand Junction, Bill Pitts.

"I like the fact that people can sign that, that's pretty neat. I hope they all take time to read it from all of us here in this area," said Shauna Wilkerson, a local resident.

Ken Coffin, a ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, volunteered to travel all the way to Washington, D.C. in the truck carrying the tree, and he says making those turns can be a little tricky.

"We're really lucky that we've got our law enforcement folks that are with us, and we got two state patrol that are with us the entire time when we're in Colorado," said Coffin.

With the Patriot Guard Riders leading the truck in Grand Junction along with law enforcement, it's gone smoothly so far.

"It's an honor because it's coming from Colorado. It's been touted as Colorado's gift to the nation, and to be a part of that and one of the stops is just an honor for all of us in Grand Junction," said Mistalynn Meyeraan, who works in public relations for the Visitor Center Bureau.

The next stops in Colorado are as follows: Nov. 9 in Cortez-Durango, Nov. 10 in Pagosa Springs-Alamosa, Nov. 11 in Colorado Springs-Denver, Nov. 12 in Greeley-La Junta.

Choose Outdoors, a nonprofit organization, has set a goal to raise $25,000 to aid the recovery of fire-damaged lands.

You can text 303-502-5858 with the amount you wish to donate.

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Bill Warren said on Thursday, Nov 8 at 11:14 PM

Gee Whiz GUYS!!!!! How long have you been doing reports on the PGR in GRand Junction???? And STILL you can't get the name right when reporting?????? It is NOT PATRIOT RIDERS!!!! IT IS THE PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS!!! PLEASE GET IT RIGHT!!!!

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