What makes the state of California shine? That’s the theme of “The People’s Tree” this year, and all California residents everywhere are asked to take part in showing the rest of the United States what makes California so special. From the tree itself, taken from Stanislaus National Forest, to the ornaments, artwork, songs, and tree lighting, California residents young and old are asked to do their part in celebrating Christmas with the United Stated Capitol Christmas Tree 2011.
Every year since the tradition began in 1970, a state has been chosen to supply the Capitol West Front lawn’s Christmas tree. This year, California was chosen for the honor of providing the tree. Artists and artisans in the state, young and old, are also being asked to supply ornaments to decorate this years tree and the many others that will adorn offices in the nation’s capitol in Washington D.C.. Other artists are being asked to provide original artworks that portray the tree and the theme “California Shines,” for display at the tree lighting ceremony and in a permanent gallery of past and presant competition winners. Lastly, song writers and musicians are being asked to create original pieces for the event. Only one song will be chosen as the official song of this year’s tree lighting, but ten songs total will be chosen for inclusion on a CD that will be sold to fund the People’s Tree project.
Above is the song “Heart of Montana” by Jack Gladstone 2008 winner.
This competition is open to all adult California residents aged eighteen and older. To submit a song for the contest, participants must create a completely original piece, record it onto a production-quality CD, and mail their CD and completely filled out entry form to the US Forestry Service by August 12th, 2011. Artists must agree to allow the Forestry Service the right to reproduce their song onto a compilation CD which will be sold to raise money for the project. The creator of the official song will be given an all expenses paid trip to perform their piece both at the tree cutting ceremony in Sonora, CA, on November 5th, 2011 and the tree lighting ceremony in December.
California is an inspiration to many artists, crafters, and musicians. This year, thousands of creative people will have the chance to have their creative work performed or placed on display for all of America to see. By participating in this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree project, people are not only taking part in a proud tradition, they are showing all of America just why “California Shines!”
UPDATED EVENTS CALENDER
April 22 - Earth Day
July 7-10 - California Shines! Booth at Tuolumne County Fair
July 14-31 - California Shines! Booth at California State Fair
August 1 - Art Contest Due Date
August 12 - Song Search Due Date
August 31 - Ornaments due
August 31 - Art Contest Winner Announced
September 10 - California Shines! Booth at Tuolumne Me-Wuk 100th Anniversary Acorn Festival
November 5-6 - Tree Cutting celebration at the Sonora Fairgrounds
November 8 - California Tour Begins
November 15 - Cross Country Tour Begins – First Stop, Flagstaff, AZ
November 28 - Tree Arrives in Washington, D.C.
Some thoughts for the song!
• It is the National Christmas Tree that stands in front of the U.S. Capitol Building
• It is known as, “The People’s Tree”
• It is a Gift from the state of California this year
• This year’s theme is “California Shines”
• The tree will likely be a 60 foot California red fir
• The tree is lit by a child from the state and the Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Only your original song
• No more than four minutes long
How to Enter
• Open to all Californians, at least 18 years of age
• Record an original, production quality CD
• Print, complete, and sign the entry form
• Mail entry form and CD to USFS by August 12, 2011
Mail to: Stanislaus National Forest
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 2011
19777 Greenley Rd.
Sonora, CA 95370
More info – http://capitolchristmastree2011.org
