CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a magnificent 63-foot-tall Norway Spruce, made a significant stop in Chillicothe this week at the Kenworth trucking facility.
This special delivery marks the 10th consecutive year that a Kenworth truck has been entrusted with the delivery of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The tree, named “wa’feem’tekwi” by the Shawnee Tribe, which means “bright tree” in the Shawnee language, began its journey after being harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia on November 1.
The Capitol Christmas Tree Tour officially commenced on November 4 with a special celebration in Elkins, West Virginia, home to the headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest. The tour will conclude on November 17 when the tree arrives at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
This year’s tour theme, “Endlessly Wild & Wonderful,” is beautifully displayed on the truck’s driver and passenger sides, featuring the U.S. Capitol Building, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, and a scenic backdrop of the Monongahela National Forest.
Werner Enterprises, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the official designated carrier for the 2023 tour. They are not only responsible for the tree’s safe journey but will also deliver thousands of handmade ornaments made by West Virginians, along with smaller trees for military families stationed at Joint Base Andrews.
The honor of driving the T680 Signature Edition semi that was built in Chillicothe is equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain has been bestowed upon drivers Jesus Davila and Tim Dean. This truck is powered by the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated at 455 horsepower, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles, ensuring a smooth journey to the nation’s capital.
Jim Walenczak, Kenworth assistant general manager for sales and marketing, expressed Kenworth’s pride in assisting with the transportation of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree for the 10th consecutive year, and he looks forward to seeing the tree illuminate the nation’s capital during this holiday season.
The tour’s public schedule is:
- Nov. 4: Elkins Depot Welcome Center, Elkins, WV
- Nov. 5: Downtown Summersville, Summersville, WV
- Nov. 6: Mitchell Chevrolet, Marlinton, WV
- Nov. 7: Tamarack Marketplace, WV
- Nov. 8: High Lawn Elementary School, Huntington, WV
- Nov. 9: White Palace at Wheeling Park, Wheeling, WV
- Nov. 10: 84 Lumber, Morgantown, WV
- Nov. 11: Mylan Park (a.m. event) and West Virginia University (p.m. event), Morgantown, WV
- Nov. 12: Swilled Dog/Raymond’s Gymnastic Center, Upper Tract, WV
- Nov. 13: Davis Yard, Davis, WV
- Nov. 14: WV Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, Romney, WV
- Nov. 15: Harpers Ferry Job Corps Center, Harpers Ferry, WV
- Nov. 17: Delivery to West Lawn, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.