Rapid City, SD – The beloved U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is set to make a special stop in the Black Hills, arriving in Custer on Saturday, Nov. 10. The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce will open the event to the public from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Way Park in downtown Custer.

Community celebration with holiday traditions

Families are invited to enjoy a festive afternoon that includes a visit from Santa Claus, a cameo by Smokey Bear, and a variety of educational displays highlighting the tree’s journey from a national forest in Idaho to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Local vendors will offer holiday merchandise, and attendees can sign a banner that will travel with the tree all the way to Washington, D.C., symbolizing the Black Hills’ connection to the nation’s capital.

Safety and logistics

Law‑enforcement officers, fire‑department personnel and U.S. Forest Service vehicles will escort the tree into town in a short parade. Organizers are still finalizing the exact route and promise to release additional details as the date approaches.

Why the Capitol Christmas Tree matters

For more than five decades, the Capitol Christmas Tree tradition has showcased a different national forest each year. The tree travels across the country, stopping in communities that wish to share in the holiday spirit before it is displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year’s stop in Custer offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to participate in a national tradition while celebrating the Black Hills’ rich public‑land heritage.

What to expect

• Santa Claus greeting children and families
• Smokey Bear photo opportunities
• Educational exhibits about the tree’s origin and the national forest system
• Local holiday merchandise and food vendors
• Chance to sign a traveling banner bound for the Capitol

All activities are free and designed to be family‑friendly, making the event an ideal way for Custer residents to kick off the holiday season together.

Looking ahead

After its Custer stop, the tree will continue its journey eastward, eventually arriving in Washington, D.C., where it will be displayed on the Capitol’s West Lawn for the nation’s holiday celebrations. The tradition underscores the unity of communities across America, from the rugged Black Hills to the nation’s capital.

For updates on the event schedule, route details and any weather‑related changes, please follow the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce’s official channels.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.