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Lighting ceremony for Arizona Capitol Christmas tree to be on Dec. 4

Gov. Hobbs said it's an honor to receive the tree from the tribe during the first holiday season for her administration.

PHOENIX — Arizona's State Capitol is getting into the swing of the holidays. 

The Capitol's Christmas tree is scheduled to be lit in early December. The lighting ceremony will be on Dec. 4 at 9 a.m., in the lobby of the Executive Tower. 

The tree was delivered on Nov. 20.

It was handpicked from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation by the White Mountain Apache Tribe and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) for the Capitol.

"The stunning 30-foot blue spruce symbolizes hope, unity, and the importance of preserving natural resources," DFFM said in a news release.

The tree was chosen for its attractive bluish color, fragrance, and conical shape.

Gov. Hobbs said it's an honor to receive the tree from the tribe during the first holiday season for her administration.

“This is the first time a Tribal Nation in Arizona has gifted the tree for the executive tower, and it’s an appropriate symbol of our ever-growing partnership,”  said Governor Katie Hobbs. 

Tribal Chairman Kasey Velasquez said the community is honored and excited to be the ones to provide the tree and everything it represents.

"This gesture demonstrates the recognition of our rich culture and the spirit of giving that the holiday season represents," said Velasquez. "The White Mountain Apache Tribe gladly accepts this opportunity to share the beauty and traditions of our land with the State of Arizona and look forward to cultivating a sense of unity and goodwill during this special time.” 

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