Governor and Mrs. Bentley Officially Light State Christmas Tree

MONTGOMERY- Governor Robert Bentley, First Lady Dianne Bentley and members of the Garden Club of Alabama kicked-off the Christmas season by lighting the State’s official Christmas tree during a special ceremony tonight at the State Capitol. The Christmas tree located at the top of the State Capitol’s main entrance off Dexter Avenue is an Eastern Red Cedar grown in Bullock County and is approximately 40 feet tall. It is adorned with approximately 37,000 LED lights. 

 

"Dianne and I are blessed to light our first Christmas tree as Governor and First Lady this year," said Governor Robert Bentley. "Christmas is a very special time for Alabama families and I pray that every Alabamian is surrounded by the love of family and friends as we celebrate the joy of the holiday season.”

 

Joining Governor and Mrs. Bentley at the tree lighting ceremony were Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and Lt. Gen. David Fadok, Commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, who offered a special tribute to military troops. Special musical performances were performed by Trinity Presbyterian Show Choir and singer Joey Ammons accompanied by Rob Cocking.

 

The tree was donated by Elizabeth Thompson, owner of the Feather’s Plantation in Fitzpatrick. The Garden Club of Alabama has sponsored the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony since it began in the 1950’s. The theme of the tree lighting ceremony each year is “Every Light a Prayer for Peace."