The specially-designed Mack Pinnacle, driven by former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, will haul this precious load from Colorado to Washington, DC. The theme of this truck is “From One National Treasure to Another,” and alludes to Macks’ 112-year legacy, the company said.
The truck features Mack the Bulldog hauling a massive tree through the snow, with large mountains in the background.
“The Capitol Christmas Tree is a great tradition in the United States, and Mack is proud to once again participate in the project,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “The design for this year’s Pinnacle model captures Mack’s legendary durability and reliability in a unique and fun way. ”
This is the second time Campbell, who represented Colorado in the Senate from 1993 until 2005, will transport the tree, having also done so in 2000
“It is a privilege to drive the tree for the U.S. Capitol from Colorado this year,” said Campbell. “It’s just as exciting, though, to get behind the wheel of a Mack truck again. I know I can count on a great ride and a uniquely American holiday experience.”
Choose Outdoors, a national nonprofit coalition for outdoor recreation, is coordinating the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree tour with the White River National Forest.
The Capitol Christmas Tree tour officially begins Nov. 3 in Meeker, CO, where the tree will be harvested from the 2.3 million-acre White River National Forest. Following a celebration in Meeker, the tree will be wrapped and embark on its route to the nation’s capital, stopping at numerous cities and towns throughout Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The Pinnacle axle back model sleeper will pull a trailer donated by Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel of Allentown, PA. It will be fitted with a custom-built cradle to support the tree’s branches.
The tree will reach the Capitol lawn shortly after Thanksgiving.