Governor and Mrs. Corbett Kick off Holiday Season at the State Capitol

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Held on Capitol Steps

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Corbett along with First Lady Susan Corbett today lit the Capitol Christmas tree in an evening ceremony on the Capitol steps. The ceremony, held outside for the first time in recent memory, brought together members of the community for a holiday celebration.

"The Christmas season brings out the good in us. We think about family, we give to charities, the streets seem friendlier," Gov. Corbett said. "In fact, one of the reasons we're putting the tree out here on the front steps is to share that friendship with the people of this city and visitors from around the state."

The ceremony featured Christmas caroling led by the Hanover High School Victorian Singers. The 15-member vocal group specializes in singing acapella and they dress in Victorian-period garb.

Bishop Joseph P. McFadden of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg offered the invocation and benediction.

"This is such a special time of year and we are thrilled to be able to share the tree lighting with the community," Mrs. Corbett said. "We hope that by bringing the ceremony back to the Capitol steps, it is the beginning of a new holiday tradition at the State Capitol."

The 22-foot Douglas Fir was grown by Crystal Springs Tree Farm in Lehighton, Carbon County.  The Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association donated the tree, along with 29 others to be used around the Capitol Complex and Governor's Residence.

The tree on the Capitol steps is decorated with 600 energy-efficient LED lights. The tree in the Rotunda is decorated with more than 300 handcrafted ornaments from senior centers across Pennsylvania.

Department of General Services Secretary Sherri Phillips, Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley and his family and Stacy Zimmerman of the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association also participated in the lighting ceremony.

Media contact: Kirsten Page; 717-787-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor