Ducey kicks off the holiday with the light of the Capitol tree

PHOENIX (AP) – A 25-foot tall white pine tree was lit for the first time in the lobby of the state’s Capitol executive tower in a celebration marking the start of the holiday season. The lighting of the Capitol tree Wednesday by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey is an annual tradition and brings together students, state workers and the governor. Ducey noted how the state has responded to the coronavirus pandemic after last year’s tree lighting was forced to be held virtual. This year’s celebration featured Christmas carols sung by students from Chandler High School. The Christmas tree was harvested November 19 in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest by a state forestry team.