National Christmas Tree visits Otero County Fairgrounds

It was Christmas in November at the Otero County Fairgrounds Friday afternoon when the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree made a stop in Alamogordo.

But the main event was not just the tree's arrival. The Alamogordo High School band, choir, cheerleaders and mascots were on hand as was the AHS Food Truck which gave free hot cocoa to spectators.

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Toys for Tots, a Salvation Army bell ringer, the U.S. Forest Service, Smokey the Bear, New Mexico State Police, Alamogordo Police Department and other law enforcement agencies were also in attendance.

The 60-foot tall blue spruce came from the Carson National Forest on the Questa Ranger District and is on a cross-country trek to its final destination on the West Lawn at the U.S. Capitol.

The tree was decorated with New Mexican icons, including green chile, Zias and more.

To be taken with the tree are ornaments made by Alamogordo Public School students.

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on twitter at @nicmaxreporter.