On December 11, 2011 over 300 people gathered in the Rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol to celebrate the season with the lighting of the Official State Holiday Tree. The program, sponsored by Pinewood Bowl, Inc., has been held at the Capitol for over 60 years and features special holiday music, the Governor’s holiday message and caroling by those in attendance.
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The Capitol opened at 1:00 p.m. and visitors arrived early for good seats.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
Dr. Darryl White, Associate Professor of Trumpet at the University of Nebraska School of Music performed the prelude music as guests arrived.
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Mark Taylor with KFOR welcomed everyone to the ceremony. The event is broadcast each year on KFOR Radio.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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The Lincoln Northeast High School ROTC Color Guard posted the colors to begin the ceremony.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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The First United Inspirational Choir and Allon Chapel Praz Team, under the direction of Oscar Harriott, performed a selection of holiday songs.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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Dr. Darryl White performed O Tannenbaum beneath the festive holiday tree.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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The Lincoln Boys Chorale Choir, under the direction of Burton Schernikau, performed Winter Wonderland, Christmas Time is Here, and Jolly St. Nick. The Boys Chorale Choir has been invited to perform at the Vatican next year.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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Neal Stenberg extended a welcome to all from the Pinewood Bowl Committee, sponsor of the event. The Lincoln JayCees serve as hosts for the event.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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Governor Dave Heineman delivered his holiday message in front of the soon to be lit tree.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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Following the Governor’s message First Lady Sally Ganem invited the children in the audience to come to the stage to help light the tree.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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Once the children arrived, the Governor and First Lady begin the countdown to light the tree.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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3….2…..1 The Official Nebraska Holiday tree is lit with over 400 individual lights strung amongst ornaments representing Nebraska’s 93 counties. .[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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Following the lighting, those assembled sang songs of the season.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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The Capitol will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The holiday tree will be on display in the second floor rotunda through December 28th.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from the Nebraska State Capitol.[RoyalSlider Error] No post attachments found.
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