Watch CBS News

Michigan Picks State Christmas Tree From Kingsford

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A 63-foot blue spruce from the Upper Peninsula has been chosen as this year's state Christmas tree.

Michigan officials announced the selection of the state's 29th Christmas tree on Wednesday. It was picked by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

The spruce will be delivered to the state Capitol on Nov. 1 from Kingsford in Dickinson County. It belonged to Bill and Helen Bjorkman.

The tree will be strung with an additional 4,000 lights this year to mark the 30th Silver Bells in the City holiday celebration. Capitol Avenue will be lit with an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 lights total, according to officials.

"We scoured the entire state and have found the perfect tree for this year's 30th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration," said DTMB director and state CIO David Behen. "It will be a great sight for all Michiganders when all the hard work pays off with the annual tree lighting celebration in downtown Lansing."

The tree lighting and accompanying fireworks display are scheduled for Nov. 21.

The search for the state Christmas tree began in July with nominations, and then the evaluation process started in mid-August.

This is the 20th time the state tree has been selected from the Upper Peninsula.

 

© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.