On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Christmas tree that will adorn the nation’s Capitol will be cut from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Alpine, Arizona. The location of this year’s 85-foot blue spruce will remain a well-kept secret until Saturday at 9:30 a.m., when the Apache Crown Dancers will celebrate the felling of the tree. The tree will be harnessed for transport and begin a 10-day trip through Arizona, stopping in Show Low on Tuesday, Nov. 10. There will be festivities throughout Show Low to honor of the tree. For more information, see the Show Low website and the Capitol Christmas Tree website.

Each year, the Capitol Christmas tree is brought to Washington, D.C. from a different state. 2009 is the first year that the Capitol tree will originate in Arizona. The tree will arrive in the Capitol in early December and be erected in front of the Capitol building.

Show Low is a great place to visit throughout the year. There are year-round recreation activities to be found, along with many points of interest to visit. Just outside of Show Low is the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, which offers relief from the heat in summer and a snow-covered paradise in winter. Spectacular vistas can be view from the Mogollon Rim. Fishing, camping and hiking are available in the summer, and there are opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing in the winter. The Apache Sitgreaves National forest consists of over 2 million acres, including 200,000 acres