While many South Dakotans were taking part in the election process on Tuesday, the state Departments of Transportation and Agriculture and Natural Resources were in Mobridge harvesting the featured tree for the 2024 Christmas at the Capitol display.
Deb Lutz of Mobridge donated the Colorado Blue Spruce. Information from DANR says the family got the tree 30 years ago as a sapling during an Arbor Day event at school. It was planted by Lutz’s husband and daughter, Carrie Getz when she was in 4th grade.
Lutz says she and her late husband– who enjoyed photography– would visit the Capitol each year to admire the Christmas tree and take photos. She says he often expressed how wonderful it would be to see the tree he and his daughter planted becoming the featured tree one day. With this memory in mind, Lutz has been looking forward to donating the tree to the Capitol for the past three years.
Jensen Rock & Sand, Inc., volunteered its time and equipment for harvesting the tree and the state Department of Transportation brought the tree to Pierre.
Last year’s featured tree was donated by the Isaac LaLonde family of Onida.
Thanks to Jody Heemstra of Dakota Radio Group!