Western Montana Helps Decorate Capitol Christmas Tree

It may seem strange to be talking about Christmas while Halloween decorations are starting to fill store shelves, and we are still occasionally hearing fireworks, but there's one holiday story that's definitely worth celebrating.

Capitol Christmas Tree: A Symbol of Holiday Spirit

This year's U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will come from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, and Western Montana is playing a big part in helping get it ready.

The Lolo Pass Visitor Center is inviting the public to a special Christmas in July celebration on Saturday, July 25, where volunteers will help create handmade ornaments that will decorate the Capitol Christmas Tree when it arrives in Washington, D.C.

Join the Festivities: Christmas in July at Lolo Pass

Organizers have set an ambitious goal of creating 10,000 handmade ornaments by September 1, and they're looking for plenty of helping hands to make it happen. If you can't make it on July 25, they could use your help with decorations before their deadline of August 31.

Whether you're crafty or just want to be part of a unique project representing our region on the national stage, everyone is welcome to participate.

The Christmas in July event will feature plenty of family-friendly activities, including:

Ornament-making stations
Live music from the Tuba Santas
A kids' potato hunt
Potato Pursuit activities
White Elephant mystery raffles
Food from the Lochsa Lodge Resort

Celebrate a Unique Holiday Tradition

It's a unique opportunity to celebrate Christmas six months early while helping decorate one of the country's most recognizable holiday traditions.

Showcasing Regional Creativity on a National Stage

While the Capitol Christmas Tree will be harvested from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, communities throughout the region—including Western Montana—are helping prepare decorations and celebrate the tree's journey to the nation's capital.

It's another reminder that our corner of the country has the opportunity to showcase its creativity and holiday spirit on a national stage.