TOPEKA — About 100 people joined Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and his family Monday night to light the Kansas Christmas Tree on the grounds of the Statehouse. Brownback said he’s excited to bring back the holiday tradition and to share the Kansas Christmas Tree with all who visit the Capitol during the holiday season. He urged Kansans to support their communities this holiday through volunteering – be it ringing a bell for the Salvation Army, serving a meal at a homeless shelter, or another simple act of kindness. Eight-year-old Christopher Carbon of Topeka, and Santa Slaus helped the governor flip the switch to light the 10-foot Scotch pine tree. The Topeka High School Madrigals serenaded the group with traditional Christmas songs. The tree is presented annually to the Kansas First Family by the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association.
This year, the tree comes from the Memory Lane Christmas Tree Farm owned by Harry and Juanita Peckham of Rantoul.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m.