COEUR d’ALENE — The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will make a stop in Coeur d'Alene on its way to the lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.

The city is collaborating with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests to provide the public an opportunity to partake in festivities and sign the delivery truck Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. The location will be on Sherman Avenue between First and Second streets.

In addition to honoring veterans, this Capitol Christmas Tree event is geared toward the whole family and will include free coffee, hot chocolate, ornament and cookie decorating, music and more. Festivities will commence with opening remarks by Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer.

"We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit Coeur d’Alene during Veteran’s Day on its trip to Washington, D.C.,” Widmyer said. “Our community looks forward to being a part of this gift to the nation as we honor our veterans and the joy it will bring to our own community this holiday.”

A Christmas tree has graced the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the holiday season for more than 50 years. This year, the Payette National Forest, in partnership with nonprofit Choose Outdoors, will bring this special gift from Idaho to the U.S. Capitol. The 80-feet-tall Engelmann Spruce will be cut on Wednesday near McCall. Once prepared for the 2,000-mile trip to Washington, D.C., and with great fanfare, the tree will leave the Payette National Forest with a caravan of caretakers, stopping for 25 community celebrations on its journey to the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony in early December. Approximately 8,000 ornaments designed and created by Idaho residents and smaller companion trees provided by the Idaho Christmas Tree Growers will be used to decorate offices inside the U.S. Capitol building and other sites throughout D.C.

The tree's transportation and special events are covered by in-kind services, donations and overall support both locally and nationwide.

For information about the Coeur d’Alene tour stop, contact Shoshana Cooper, public affairs officer, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, at 765-7211.

For related news, events and tour information and to track the tree cross-country, visit www.capitolchristmastree.com, Facebook @USCapitolChristmasTree and #capitolchristmastree.