News
National Christmas tree stops in Benson
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Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
The blue spruce Christmas tree making its way to the U.S. Capitol stopped for the night in Benson Saturday, allowing residents to sign the truck and see the 85-foot long tree.
The tree, known as "the people's Christmas tree," started its journey to Washington on Nov. 7 after being chopped down five miles west of Alpine in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Riding on a 105-foot flatbed truck, the tree parked outside of the Apple Farm Restaurant on Ocotillo Road. Throughout the day residents trickled through and signed the truck, including City Manager Glenn Nichols.
Nichols said it was exciting to have the tree come through town, noting that those who were transporting it said more people showed up to see the tree in Benson than they have had in some of the bigger cities.
Nichols said the community really pulled together to make the event a success, noting that many donated time, resources and food.
Nichols thanked local law enforcement, including the Arizona Rangers for guarding the tree overnight, while the transportation crew stayed at the local Best Western.
Nichols said Kathleen Castillo and Bob Nilson of the Benson Visitor's Center also worked really hard to make the necessary plans to keep the tree in town overnight.
Wal-Mart donated snacks and Empire Rentals donated lighting for people to come by through the night.
"It turned out to be a good event," Nichols said.
Benson was one of 28 stops the tree will make around the state on its way to Washington, where it will be decorated with 7,000 ornaments made by Arizona students.
This will be the largest tree ever for the annual celebration at the Capitol. The tree is estimated to be 70 years old and was chosen from 10 other finalists in the Arizona forest.
The Christmas tree tradition at the Capitol started in 1964, and this was the first tree to come from Arizona. Twenty other states have provided the trees in the past.
The blue spruce Christmas tree making its way to the U.S. Capitol stopped for the night in Benson Saturday, allowing residents to sign the truck and see the 85-foot long tree.
The tree, known as "the people's Christmas tree," started its journey to Washington on Nov. 7 after being chopped down five miles west of Alpine in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
Riding on a 105-foot flatbed truck, the tree parked outside of the Apple Farm Restaurant on Ocotillo Road. Throughout the day residents trickled through and signed the truck, including City Manager Glenn Nichols.
Nichols said it was exciting to have the tree come through town, noting that those who were transporting it said more people showed up to see the tree in Benson than they have had in some of the bigger cities.
Nichols said the community really pulled together to make the event a success, noting that many donated time, resources and food.
Nichols thanked local law enforcement, including the Arizona Rangers for guarding the tree overnight, while the transportation crew stayed at the local Best Western.
Nichols said Kathleen Castillo and Bob Nilson of the Benson Visitor's Center also worked really hard to make the necessary plans to keep the tree in town overnight.
Wal-Mart donated snacks and Empire Rentals donated lighting for people to come by through the night.
"It turned out to be a good event," Nichols said.
Benson was one of 28 stops the tree will make around the state on its way to Washington, where it will be decorated with 7,000 ornaments made by Arizona students.
This will be the largest tree ever for the annual celebration at the Capitol. The tree is estimated to be 70 years old and was chosen from 10 other finalists in the Arizona forest.
The Christmas tree tradition at the Capitol started in 1964, and this was the first tree to come from Arizona. Twenty other states have provided the trees in the past.
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