From The Register-Herald
CHARLESTON — Families from across West Virginia are invited to attend the official Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Thursday at the West Virginia Capitol Complex. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on the Capitol steps facing Kanawha Boulevard.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey will host the ceremony. This year’s tree will be dedicated to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe of the 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, and U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard. A moment of silence will be held in their honor. The ceremony will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
The event will include performances by the Capital High School band and choir, the River City Youth Ballet, Christmas sing-alongs, and other holiday entertainment.
After the ceremony, attendees are invited to the West Virginia Culture Center for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf, and live reindeer, as well as crafts and other holiday activities.
Organizers encourage attendees to donate toys and coats for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia, which serves foster children across the state. This year, the organization is seeking gifts for older children. Donations may be dropped off at the West Virginia Culture Center or on the Capitol steps during the event.
Free parking will be available in the Capitol Complex parking garage and Laidley Field parking lot, with shuttle service running between Laidley Field and the Capitol from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kanawha Boulevard will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m.
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