For the first time, the nation's official Christmas tree will make an appearance in Branson, arriving on Nov. 15, for public viewing in front of The Grand Palace.
John Cheary, the owner of Affordable Moving Services in Branson - an affiliate of National Van Lines - met National's CEO Maureen Beal at an annual meeting last year.
Cheary, who opened the business in 1995 after retiring from teaching, suggested to Beal that National Van Lines bring the Capitol Christmas Tree through Branson. Though Affordable Moving has been among National Van Lines' Top 10 affiliates the past four years due to high volumes of people moving to and from Branson, Cheary said Beal was surprised to hear how many visitors are here for Ozark Mountain Christmas.
The 138-year-old Subalpine Fir, also known as a Rocky Mountain Fir, left Montana's 1.6 million acre Bitterroot National Forest on Nov. 4, said Nan Christianson with the U.S. Forest Service. It was about 100 feet tall when felled, and 77 feet will be transported.
Christianson noted that some more perfect tree specimens were rejected because of their environmentally sensitive positions along creek banks. An elder of the local Salish Indian tribe blessed the tree at a ceremony attended by more than 600 people. According to Christianson, the elder said the tree has the greater calling now, to bring joy to many people.
On the 3,100-mile trip, the caravan will stop in 18 Montana cities and three in North Dakota before arriving in Branson where it will be parked outside The Grand Palace, 2700 W. 76 Country Blvd., throughout the afternoon.
At 11 a.m., there will be an event starring Andy Williams, the Lennon Sisters and other entertainers. The crew of people who accompany the tree will stay in Branson on Nov. 16, visiting local attractions. The tree on its 95-foot truck will be housed overnight inside Branson Convention Center.
The tree is kept fresh with a rubber "vase" on the cut end with a ready supply of water. The tradition began in 1970 of asking a different national forest in each state to provide the tree. The tree will be officially lit in front of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 2.[[In-content Ad]]
A food truck that launched last year rebranded and moved to Metro Eats; automotive repair business Mitchem Tire Co. expanded its Christian County presence; and O’Reilly Build LLC was acquired.
