2020-christmas-tree-delivery-3

Official 2020 Michigan State Christmas Tree Placed on Capitol Lawn

2020-christmas-tree-delivery-3

This year’s Michigan State Christmas Tree didn’t have to travel very far to hold the place of honor on the Capitol lawn. It’s a homegrown Lansing blue spruce, in place before the kids even hit the streets to Trick or Treat.

For the first time in the history of the tradition of the State Christmas Tree, the place of honor will be held by a Lansing grown tree. The selection this year resulted in a 58-foot blue spruce chosen by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB), being harvested from Lansing just yesterday and placed onto the Capitol grounds today. The 2020 official tree was donated by Larry and Annette Moshkosky.

It is the first tree to actually come from Lansing and only the 11th tree from the lower peninsula in the history of the tradition. The Moshkosky family’s tree is the 34th Christmas tree that DTMB has harvested to shine in downtown Lansing during the holiday season.

Heath Miller, DTMB state Christmas tree crew supervisor, tells us, “This year’s tree is a perfect shape and size and looks great in its place in front of the Capitol,” adding, “This tree was nominated 14 years ago, however it wasn’t big enough at the time. Since then it has grown beautifully and will look great lit up for the holidays.”

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Homeowner Annette Moshkosky says, “2020 has been a very challenging year for many people,” and adds, “I’m just so excited for our tree to be a part of Michigan’s holiday season and hope it brings joy to all who visit it.”

The tree was harvested and delivered to the Capitol with the help from the Michigan Association of Timbermen, the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Cook’s Forest Products, Hi Ball + M&W Rentals, HTA Companies Inc., Sunbelt Rentals, Operating Engineers Local 324, and Great Lakes Christian College who donated time, equipment, and other resources. The Hi-Ball Company of Lansing provided a crane and crew to hoist the blue spruce into place at the intersection of Capitol and East Michigan avenues.

The Michigan Capitol Commission, along with the Lansing Board of Water and Light, will develop the lighting scheme and decorate the tree. The tree lighting will take place during Silver Bells Home Edition, presented by the Lansing Board of Water & Light, scheduled to air on FOX 47 TV on Friday, November 20th, from 6-8 pm. That special telecast is a spinoff of Silver Bells in the City and will feature elements of the traditional event, including the state Christmas tree lighting, family holiday singalongs, celebrity shout outs, diverse holiday offerings, and more.