Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 25


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Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3212
www.state.sd.us
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 24, 2008
CONTACT: Mitch Krebs or Roxy Everson, (605) 773-3212
  
Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 25
 
PIERRE, S.D. – The 2008 grand lighting ceremony will take place in the Capitol rotunda on Tuesday evening, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m.  Pre-event music begins at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
 
The majestic South Dakota Tree was decorated by members of the South Dakota State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic educational organization. There are 101 chapters statewide which provide educational scholarships and awards for women. 
 
The 54-foot Black Hills Spruce came from the Pluma area and has been trimmed to fit into the Capitol rotunda. It was donated by Jim and Lana Sternhagen of Deadwood.
 
The lighting ceremony will feature musical performances by the Pierre Riggs High School Select Ensemble; Patrick Gengler and Amanda Gallegos; Jefferson Elementary 5th grade students; and Sarah Zinter, Kit Hartley, and Diana Kehrwald. Pre-event music begins at 6 p.m. with piano performances by Jeanie Goodman and Mary Jo Johnson.
 
Following the ceremony, kids of all ages can get their picture taken with Santa Claus in front of the South Dakota Tree in the rotunda. Refreshments, donated by Lynn’s Dakotamart, will be served on the first floor of the Capitol.
 
The Capitol Christmas tree display includes nearly 100 trees that have been decorated by communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, and governmental offices from across the state. The display is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from November 26 through December 28.
 
For more information, visit our website at www.state.sd.us.
 
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