Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks News ReleaseFor Immediate Release: November 18, 2010
Contact: Dana M. Dierkes, Malinee Crapsey (559) 565-3131
Join the "Trek to the Tree" Ceremony
at Kings Canyon National Park on December 12Are you looking for something fun to do with your family and friends to celebrate the holidays and honor our veterans? On Sunday, December 12, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., you are cordially invited to attend the "Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree" ceremony, at the General Grant Tree in Kings Canyon National Park.
Co-sponsored by the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce and the National Park Service, the event will include the Jubilation Singers, Sanger High School Choir, a non-denominational holiday message, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Access to the park for the event will be free from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. on that day. To reach Kings Canyon National Park by vehicle, take Highway 180 east from Fresno for approximately 55 miles.
The ceremony is at the base of the General Grant Tree, a ¼-mile walk from the parking lot. Visitors are strongly advised to check on road and weather conditions in advance and be prepared for wintry conditions. Walking surfaces may be slippery and snowy. Travelers should provide additional time if icy and/or snowy conditions are forecast. Drivers should bring and be prepared to use tire chains, if required. For recorded messages on weather and road conditions, call 559-565-3341 and press 4.
Given limited parking at the grove, a free shuttle service will be available from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center parking area to the trail to the Grant Tree Trail. Allow an extra 30 minutes if you plan to use this in-park shuttle service. In addition, a shuttle bus to the park from Sanger, CA, is available with a fee and by reservation. Call 559-875-4575 for bus transportation information.
This year's "Trek to the Nation's Christmas Tree Ceremony" will mark the 85th celebration of the General Grant Tree's designation as the "Nation's Christmas Tree" by President Calvin Coolidge in 1926. In 1956, the tree was also established as the only living national shrine, honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country. During the ceremony conducted by the Sanger Chamber of Commerce, the National Park Service will place a large wreath at the base of the tree as a memorial to those men and women.
- www.nps.gov/seki -