Groups to Decorate Trees for Capitol Display

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — More than 90 Christmas trees will be decorated later this month for the annual Christmas at the Capitol holiday display.

Groups from schools, churches, communities and civic organizations from across the state will begin working on the trees Nov. 23-24. Thousands of guests visit the South Dakota State Capitol each year to view the decorated trees.

Events kick off with a grand lighting ceremony on Tuesday Nov. 26, and continue through Saturday, Dec. 28. Display hours for the public will be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT each day.

This year's theme is "Christmas in the Great Outdoors."

The featured 31-foot blue spruce donated by Brandon and Cassandra Deffenbaugh of Brandon will be decorated by the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department.

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