The U.S. Forest Service is calling on Alaskans to create handmade ornaments to decorate the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree and the smaller companion trees that will represent Alaska in Washington, D.C.
The trees will come from the Tongass National Forest; it’s only the second time ever that an Alaska tree has been chosen to serve as the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.
The tree will require 3,500 large ornaments made from lightweight, durable materials that should be colorful, reflective, weatherproofed for outdoor display and 12 inches in height and width, the agency said.
An additional 6,500 ornaments using similar materials are needed for the companion trees that will be in federal buildings throughout the Washington area, with 6,000 of them measuring four to six inches, as well as an additional 500 measuring eight to 10 inches.
Participants are encouraged to use natural, recyclable or repurposed materials as much as possible, the agency said in its announcement April 1.
“Sharp edges or materials that would pose a danger of cutting someone or damaging the wires for lighting the tree should be avoided,” the Forest Service announcement said. “Ornaments must not include commercial logos, political affiliations, or be divisive or offensive in any way.”
Ornaments may be submitted by individuals or groups, and should represent Alaska, its people, places, traditions and natural wilderness, as well as ornaments that celebrate Forest Service icons Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear on his 80th birthday.
All ornaments must be submitted to the Forest Service no later than Sept. 15, and can be dropped off at any Forest Service office or mailed to 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree Ornaments, 161 E. 1st Ave., Door 8, Anchorage, AK 99501. Once submitted, ornaments cannot be returned.
For more information, contact Annette Heckart with the Forest Service at [email protected] or visit http://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.