Nebraska officials are preparing for the holiday season and looking to the public for help in the search for a tree for the annual lighting ceremony.
For more than 70 years, on the second Sunday of December, the rotunda of the Nebraska Capitol has served as the backdrop for a holiday tree lighting ceremony.
A press release stated the event began as a way to honor and support those stationed at the Lincoln Air Base in the aftermath of World War II, but has become a tradition for many Nebraskans and their families.
Heather Dinslage, groundskeeper supervisor for the Office of the Capitol Commission, is soliciting the tree donation from within a 70-mile radius of Lincoln.
The Commission is seeking a tree that meets specific criteria:
- Spruce or fir
- Must fit through the 7 feet by 6 feet north entrance of the State Capitol
- Must be 20-25 feet tall with a maximum girth of 15 feet, depending on the thickness and size of the branches
Taller trees will be considered, if they can be cut to size. Dinslage and her staff will travel to examine a tree considered for donation, and will sometimes look at several trees to find the right one.
"Finding a tree is not as easy as it seems," Dinslage said in the press release. "There are sometimes complicating factors we must also consider when we see the tree up close, like is it accessible to our grounds crew, can it be cut down safely, are there power lines, fences or other trees nearby?"
Dinslage added appearance is a huge consideration, and the tree will be viewed from three sides. Significant defects would be hard to hide, which is why the donated tree needs to be healthy, strong, in good traditional form and able to hold its needles for up to three weeks while on display.
"We also check to make sure the tree is free of disease, bugs and other pests before we bring it into the Capitol," Dinslage said. "Trees considered for donation have usually outgrown their space or may be in the way of construction or landscaping projects, but that is what makes them a perfect choice for bringing joy to the many visitors who come to the Capitol during the holiday season."
Tree donors are recognized at the annual lighting ceremony and may receive a tax deduction for their donation. Anyone wishing to have their tree considered for use as the Official State Christmas Tree should contact Dinslage at (402) 937-2891. Photos of a tree to be considered may be sent to heather.dinslage@nebraska.gov.