GOV. BRAD HENRY
EDMOND — The annual lighting of the state Christmas tree is one of my favorite events of the year. For me, it marks the beginning of the joyous holiday season, and my wife Kim and I invite our fellow Oklahomans to take part in ushering in this most wonderful time of the year.
On Dec. 1., we will host the state Capitol Christmas tree lighting. Kim and I will be joined by school children from across Oklahoma for the ceremony, which will be about 6 p.m. on the south steps of the Capitol.
With the help of a group of Oklahoma foster children, Kim and I will light the 30-foot artificial evergreen, strung this year for the first time with energy-saving LED lights. Dozens of other trees across the Capitol complex also will be illuminated.
The festivities begin in the afternoon when school children from nearly 40 schools across the state travel to the Capitol to decorate trees throughout the building. The trees, once fully adorned, are unique, creative and reflect the joy of the holiday season.
While decorating trees, the children and adults will enjoy Christmas caroling, storytelling, music, dance, refreshments and a visit from Ol’ Saint Nick himself.
I would like to thank the event’s sponsors — Weyerhauser, the Oklahoma Department of Education, the Department of Central Services, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, the state Arts Council and the staff of the Governor’s Office — for making a great Oklahoma Christmas tradition possible.
With Christmas and Hanukkah fast approaching, this is that special time of year when we celebrate our many blessings and reflect on the deep, abiding comfort and power of our faith. It is a time when we gather as families, friends and as a community to share the joy of the season. This is a celebration of the Oklahoma family, and we hope to see you there.
GOV. BRAD HENRY may be reached via his Web site at www.governor.ok.gov.
