Colorado-based Apex Transportation will use the Kenworth T680 to transport the 56th U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, known as “The People’s Tree,” from the tree’s harvest from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests in western Colorado to its final destination on the on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in early December.
“It is a very special privilege for Apex Transportation to be selected to carry the 2020 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and to represent the state of Colorado during the tree’s journey to Washington, D.C.,” said Walt Schattinger, president of Apex Transportation, which was founded in 1996.
Watch the tree cutting live below:
This year’s theme is “Experiencing Your Nature.” Choose Outdoors, a non-profit organization that works with the U.S. Forest Service on promoting outdoor recreation and public access to federal lands for recreation, assists with coordinating the annual tour. Coloradans are expected to contribute up to 10,000 handmade ornaments, capturing Colorado’s colorful scenery and culturally rich and diverse populations.
The graphics package features a decorated Christmas tree and the U.S. Capitol Building, 14,023-foot Wilson Peak in Colorado’s Uncompahgre National Forest, and “From Colorful Colorado to America’s Front Steps.” This year’s logo, placed on the T680 roof, incorporates this year's theme, names of the GMUG National Forests in western Colorado, and Colorado state flag.
“It is an honor for Kenworth to participate in this important annual American tradition and provide a Kenworth truck to deliver the ‘The People’s Tree’ for the seventh consecutive year,” said Laura Bloch, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing. The tree is expected to be an Engelmann Spruce.
