The 12th annual lighting of the Capitol Hill Holiday Tree took place Sunday, Nov. 24th.
In 2007, the BID planted a 20-foot evergreen tree (species Cedrus deodara) in the large circle garden at Eastern Market Metro Plaza’s Northeast quadrant to honor the BID’s founding president George Didden III. The tree, now 45 feet tall and affectionately known as “Big George,” is beautifully decorated by the BID Men in Blue every December and illuminated in front of the Capitol Hill community to kick off the holiday season.
Prior to this year’s lighting, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen delivered very brief remarks thanking the BID for the event and wishing the community a happy holiday. After the lighting, Councilmember Elissa Silverman (At Large-I) delivered remarks from a darkened stage, the power to the stage lights drained, she said, by all the crowd’s energy.
Costumed as Victorian carolers, quartet Joyous Voices set the musical scene as attendees were offered hot chocolate and donuts by the Men (and one woman!) in Blue. The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) Suzuki Strings Group played holiday classics.
As the tree was illuminated by Mrs. Kathy Didden and her family, the Washington Youth Choir serenaded the neighborhood. BID President Patty Brosmer declared that the holidays had officially begun on the Hill.
Join the Capitol BID and Councilmember Elissa Silverman at 5:30 p.m. next Sunday, Dec. 2 for the lighting of the Community Menorah, dedicated to past Board Chairman Paul Pascal. The event will also take place on the NE quadrant of Eastern Metro Plaza. Hot chocolate, coffee, potato latkes and jelly donuts will be served by the BID Men in Blue.
