Capitol Christmas tree en route from Washington state

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Architect of the Capitol's office said the Capitol Christmas Tree is on its way to Washington, D.C., from Washington state.

The office said the 88-foot Engelmann spruce was harvested Nov. 1 in Washington state and passed Wednesday through St. George, Utah, one of the more than 25 cities it is scheduled to visit prior to its scheduled arrival at the U.S. Capitol Nov. 25, Roll Call reported Thursday.

The AOC said workers will be on hand to secure the tree in the ground when it arrives in the District of Columbia and members of the Capitol Grounds crew will decorate its branches with ornaments handcrafted by Washingtonians to reflect the tree's theme, "Sharing Washington's Good Nature."

Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, is expected to light the tree in a Dec. 3 ceremony.