(Courtesy: Nebraska State Capitol)
A Nebraska holiday tradition will mark its 75th anniversary this Sunday, with the Pillen family making their inaugural appearance.
This Sunday, Dec. 10 in the State Capitol Rotunda, Governor Jim Pillen and First Lady Suzanne Pillen will host the official lighting of the State Christmas Tree. The event includes music, singers, holiday carols and a countdown to flipping the switch on the decorated 20 foot Colorado blue spruce.
The program starts at 2:00 p.m., including choir performances from Concordia Lutheran High School of Omaha and St. Teresa’s Elementary School of Lincoln. Gov. Pillen will deliver his Christmas message prior to joining his wife Suzanne and their grandchildren in lighting the tree.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to attend a Hometown Christmas outdoors at the Governor’s Residence, behind the Capitol building at 1425 H Street.
The celebration is open to the public, and will feature Mr. & Mrs. Claus, a live nativity scene, hayrack and horse drawn carriage rides, face painting, a balloon artist, hot cocoa, cookies and more. The festivities will get underway at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m.
The stretch of H Street in front of the Governor’s Residence will be closed to traffic during that time. As all events will take place outside, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
Those wishing to see the tree are encouraged to come to the Capitol before it is disassembled on Dec. 28.