November 6, 2019, will go down in Red River history as a once-in-a-lifetime deal for our tiny town among the trees of Northern New Mexico.
The Kit Carson Forest, one of five National Forests in the land of Enchantment, was chosen to provide the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
Known as the People’s Tree, it was chosen to brighten the spirit of love and light up the night in Washington DC.
The Blue Spruce selected came from Red River! It was on the east side of town, standing near the aged banks of Bobcat Creek where it has grown for 60+ years! For any town, such a thing would be an honor but, for a small town with a population of less than 500 people… it was a special day to celebrate and celebration was the order of the day!
TV reporters and writers were in town, capturing the excitement and energy that filled the crisp, clean mountain air. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and our Red River Mayor Linda Calhoun praised the beauty of the Land of Enchantment.
In the shadow of the canyon on the edge of town, a holy man and the elders from Picuris Pueblo blessed the tree that was about to be felled. It was a sacred time, graceful and with the dignity and respect befitting such a glorious gift from Mother Earth.
Following the moving ceremony the Mayor of Questa, who is also a sawyer, cut the tree in preparation for the long journey. Placed on the truck for transport to DC, it paraded to the Conference Center lead by the Red River Marshal and a deputy on horseback, followed by Smokey Bear and Santa in a beautiful 1925 Dodge Forest Service pickup. They waved to the crowd that lined the route. Cell phones and video cameras worked overtime.
Arriving at the Conference Center to a crowd of excited school kids from the Red River Valley Charter School, everyone went inside where it was warm and the kids and Santa sang Happy Birthday to Smokey Bear on his 75th birthday. There was a special cake, cookies and candy canes.
All too soon the truck pulled out, headed on its way to share the energy, light and spirit with those in our nation’s capital.
So what’s the big deal? It’s only a tree, right?
Surrounded by the forest of evergreens and aspens, we understand the power of such a gift given freely, a gift of love from the heart and soul of the high country.
(Photo by Andi Truan)
