Tuesday December 8, 2009 was the annual holiday Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. This year’s tree, the “Aldo Leopold Centennial Tree,” is an 85-foot tall, 9,000-pound, 70-year-old Arizona Blue Spruce from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.
All photos by Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Just before the ceremony, Arizona’s White Mountain Apache Tribe Crown Dancers performed, accompanied by these drummers.
Photo by Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
A White Mountain Apache Tribe Crown Dancer.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
The United States Marine Band.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Stephen T. Ayers, acting architect of the Capitol, is responsible for the facilities maintenance and operation of the historic Capitol Building, the care and improvement of more than 450 acres of Capitol grounds, and the operation and maintenance of 16.5 million square feet of buildings.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
It is tradition that one child from the tree’s state light the Capitol Christmas Tree with the Speaker of the House. This year’s winner was 12-year-old Kaitlyn Ferencik from Surprise, Arizona.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Gov. Janice K. Brewer (R-AZ), Kaitlyn Ferencik, Speaker Pelosi, and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ).
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
Kaitlyn traveled to Washington, D.C. with her parents, Erika and Troy Ferencik, and her sisters.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
The Aldo Leopold Centennial Tree traveled 4,600 miles to the nation’s Capitol, stopping at 28 towns and communities in Arizona along the way. It is decorated with 6,000 handcrafted ornaments made by Arizona school children.
Jeff Malet / maletphoto.com
