Hikers in the Willamette National Forest have an opportunity to win prizes by finding glass Christmas tree ornaments hidden along trails in the Sweet Home Ranger District and the three other ranger districts in the forest.
The ornament hunt was launched Thursday, May 24, to inspire and increase outdoor recreation activities, connect locals and travelers to public lands, and to win prizes. In addition to a keepsake ornament, over 120 lucky winners will be awarded prizes and all entrants will be automatically entered to win the grand prize: a trip for two to Washington D.C. to attend the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting and festivities.
The Willamette Valley Visitors Association website oregonwinecountry.org/tree will serve as the hub for contest winners to claim their prizes throughout the contest which will run from Memorial Day weekend to Oct. 2, 2018, the anniversary of the National Trails System Act.
The Sweet Home Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest is responsible for providing the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. The tree will be cut on the Sweet Home Ranger District in early November and prepared for the 3,000-mile
After the tree is cut in early November, it will embark on an expedition to Washington D.C. The coast-to-coast journey will trace the Oregon Trail in reverse and include a series of community celebrations throughout Oregon and across the United States. The journey will culminate with the official tree lighting on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in early December. Seventy smaller companion trees will also be sent to Washington, D.C. to decorate government buildings and public spaces this December.
Additionally, Oregonians will contribute 10,000 handmade ornaments, to be created throughout 2018. Those looking for ways to be involved can find information at capitolchristmastree.com.