A beautiful 65-foot red spruce from Highland County will shine on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol this holiday season. Highland County is very proud to be the source of the Capitol Holiday Tree for 2004, which will symbolize the Christmas spirit for all Americans.

This tree, also known as "the people's tree," is part of a grand tradition. Each year a different state is chosen to supply the Capitol tree as a gift from the people of that state to the nation. This year marks Virginia's first year to provide the tree, as well as the 5,000 handmade ornaments that will decorate it. Learn more about the history of the Capitol Holiday Tree by visiting the Web site.

In selecting Highland County as the source of the 2004 tree, the Architect of the Capitol and U.S. Forest Service celebrate the rich forest resources and natural beauty of Highland County. They affirm America's roots in rural areas like Highland County, where neighbors work together to create a vibrant community spirit. This is a very special honor for Highland County.

The tree-cutting ceremony will take place in early November, and the tree will remain on display in Monterey for several days before touring 34 Virginia communities. The big celebration in Highland County will be November 13, when Governor Mark Warner, members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, and other dignitaries will launch the tree on its way.

Highland County will host the "send-off" celebration at the county fairgrounds with speeches, music, clogging demonstrations, and refreshments.

The U.S. Forest Service and Office of the Architect of the Capitol will erect the tree on the Capitol lawn in mid-December. In a grand illumination ceremony, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert will throw the switch to light up the tree and its thousands of ornaments.

From the north: Travel south on I-81 to exit #225 (Staunton bypass) and follow Rt. 275 west to the T-junction with US 250. Turn west (right) on US250 and continue to Monterey (45 miles). Or, take the #222 exit off I-81 at Staunton and follow US 250 west to Monterey. Driving time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from I-81.

From the east: Follow I-64 west to I-81. Travel north on I-81 to the first exit (#222 at Staunton) and follow the above directions west on US 250.

From the south: Travel north on I-81 to exit #222 (Staunton exit) and follow the above directions or take exit #150 (Daleville) and follow US 220 north to Monterey (125 miles). Driving time: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from I-81.

From the west: Travel east on US 250 to Monterey.