The governor and first lady are on hand to light the tree at the capitol.
First lady Jessica Doyle introduces the governor at the official tree-lighting ceremony, which takes place every year in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda.
“It is an annual tradition that we, like so many of you, always look forward to as a perfect way to start our holiday season.”
Governor Jim Doyle thanks the people of the Menominee Nation for donating the tree, which was harvested from tribal land outside of Neopit.
“The tree standing in front of us is truly a symbol of all Wisconsin citizens who care about sustaining and protecting our natural resources.”
This year’s holiday tree — or Christmas tree if you like — is decorated with ornaments made by Wisconsin schoolchildren reflecting this year’s theme of “Naturally Wisconsin.” The 35-foot Balsam Fir is adorned with 2,400 energy-efficient multicolored LED (light-emitting diode) lights. A Wisconsin & Southern Railroad toy locomotive circles the base of the tree.
“And so now,” Doyle says, “Let’s light the tree.”