Gov. Kay Ivey will light the Capitol Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. today on the front steps of the building.
“I invite all Alabamians, friends and neighbors to join us here at the Capitol for that special occasion,” Ivey said in a written statement about the ceremony. “This is always a wonderful event and serves as such a great reminder of the spirit of hope that Christmas brings.”
The theme of this year’s event is “Every Light a Prayer for Peace.”
The tree is a 40-foot Eastern Red Cedar from Bullock County. It has 37,000 lights and special bicentennial ornaments to celebrate Alabama’s 200 years of statehood.
Beginning at about 5 p.m., the 151st Army National Guard Band will perform. The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m.. and include a performance by the Forest Avenue Elementary School Choir. Ivey and Lt. Gen. James Hecker, president and commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, and others will deliver remarks.