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Kenworth Truck Co.

The Capitol Christmas tree will be cut Oct. 27 and then begin its 4,400-mile journey from Seward, Alaska, to Washington, D.C., courtesy of Kenworth Truck Co.

The 74-foot Lutz spruce will be transported on a specially decaled Kenworth T680, which features the Chugach Mountains and the U.S. Capitol beneath a Northern starry sky with the words “From the Northern Lights to Capitol Lights.” It also includes the 2015 Capitol Christmas tree official seal, a map of the tour route and the Alaska state logo of Lynden Transport, a longtime Kenworth customer based in Anchorage.

After the tree is shipped from Anchorage to Seattle, Lynden’s John Schank, whose bushy white beard makes him resemble Santa Claus, will drive it in a specially designed trailer to Washington, making 10 stops for celebrations along the way including Missoula, Montana; Rapid City, South Dakota; and South Bend, Indiana. One of the stops is planned for Nov. 17 at Kenworth’s Chillicothe, Ohio, plant where the truck was built.����

“The tour of ‘The People’s Tree’ offers millions of Americans an opportunity to see our nation’s symbol of celebration,” Kenworth Marketing Director Kurt Swihart said. “The Kenworth T680 midroof 76-inch sleeper offers the perfect spec’d truck to complete this important tour. It provides a comfortable work environment, and the truck’s inspiring graphics offer visitors at each stop a nice reminder of the tree’s origin and destination.”

Lynden Transport driver John Schank to drive Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington — Alaska Region (@AKForestService)