SUBMITTED By MARIA BENECH
The US Capitol Christmas Tree will make a stop in Cherokee during this year’s National Tour. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is hosting the event at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds on Nov. 23. The event begins at 10am and will conclude at 3pm.
Vice Chief Larry Blythe said, “It is an honor for our community to host the US Capitol Christmas Tree and we hope that everyone in the region can join us for this special day.”
The day begins with a traditional gift exchange between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wok Indians and is followed by a musical presentation by the Cherokee Elementary Chorus and the Kituwah Language Academy students. After the formal event, the children will be able to make their own ornament.
“This is a once in a lifetime celebration for Cherokee,” said Maria Benech, coordinator for the 2011 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The North American Indian Women’s Association will be cooking Cherokee traditional foods during the lunch hour.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree itself is expected to arrive in Cherokee on Nov. 22 and will depart for Washington, DC on Nov. 24.
Visit www.capitolchristmastree2011.org for more information about the nation’s Christmas tree and related events.
Maria, of the U.S. Forest Service, is the 2011 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Coordinator.
