Sugar Bear has arrived
The 2021 Capitol Christmas Tree arrived at the U.S. Capitol this morning. Provided by Six Rivers National Forest, the tree, dubbed Sugar Bear, is an 84-foot-tall fir—the height of an eight-story building. Architect of the Capitol Brett Blanton and Forest Supervisor Ted McArthur spoke as the tree was unloaded from the tractor-trailer after its 3,500-mile journey.
The selection of the tree, collection of ornaments and cross-country trip were the work of many people. One of those people is Peggy Wilson, a public affairs specialist on the Communications, Education, and Training team of the Enterprise Program, who played a crucial role in developing the visual elements of the tree’s seal. The design elements Wilson incorporated into the logo contain several symbols representing the theme of this year’s tree motto, “Six Rivers, Many Peoples, One Tree.” Elements found in the design include:
- The mountains reflect mountains near the Six Rivers National Forest (to include the Trinity, Siskiyou, and Lassic mountains).
- The six colors of the river, hence the Six Rivers.
- The rainbow of people represents the region, state and nation, holding hands in peace and support.
- The flower is the endangered Lassics lupine, complemented by acorns, which are foundational to the native peoples of the area.
- The 113 red and white lights on the tree represent the native tribes of California.
Sugar Bear will be officially illuminated Dec. 1. This 51-year-old tradition will include the Speaker of the House and members of the California Congressional Delegation. The flip of the switch will be made by Michael Mavris, a fifth grader from Del Norte, California, who wrote a winning poem about the tree.
