Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The Alaska Region’s 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree team needs your help. In addition to 10,000 ornaments created by Alaskans to adorn “The People’s Tree,” 45 handmade tree skirts are needed for smaller trees that will represent Alaska inside the U.S. Capitol.
Assistance is needed from Alaskans across the state, individually or in groups, to make this happen by creating tree skirts symbolizing the great state of Alaska, its people, its traditions, and its incomparable natural wilderness.
Tree skirts may be made from any durable materials and should be roughly 5 feet in diameter, with a 6-inch opening in the center for the trunk.
Skirts should include a slit to allow placement around the tree’s trunk and should wrap entirely around with either an overlap of the opening or a closure secured with ribbon ties, buttons, snaps, or Velcro.
Stitch, write, or otherwise attach your name, group name, and community name to the back of the tree skirt. Please include a note with the names and mailing addresses of all those who contributed.
Tree skirts must not include commercial logos or political affiliations or be divisive or offensive in any way.
Alaskans are encouraged to express what they love about the state, and the following themes may be used to spur creativity:
- Uniquely Alaska – capture what truly makes Alaska “The Great Land.”
- People – showcase the diversity and rich cultures of people who call Alaska home.
- Places – highlight the iconic landscapes and special places in Alaska.
- Flora & Fauna – feature the diversity of the plants and animals of Alaska.
- Outdoors – showcase the multitude of ways Alaskans enjoy their public lands.
- Forest Service Icons – celebrate Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear on his 80th birthday.
All tree skirts must be submitted to the Forest Service no later than Sept. 16, 2024. Tree skirts can be dropped off at any Alaska National Forest office or mailed to:
2024 Capitol Christmas Tree Skirts
161 East 1st Avenue, Door 8
Anchorage, AK 99501
Please be aware that once submitted, tree skirts cannot be returned.
If you have any questions about the tree skirts, please contact Annette Heckart at annette.heckart@usda.gov.
