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Arrow Tool Group, a partner of the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, will host a special community celebration on Tuesday, November 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Littlestown Ace Hardware in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, marking the final community event on the People’s Tree journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C.
The celebration will give families and community members an opportunity to see the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree up close and help give the People’s Tree a memorable final community send-off before it continues to the nation’s capital and ultimately takes its place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The event is free and open to the public.
The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be a 76-foot Engelmann spruce selected from the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District of Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The originally selected 80-foot grand fir began showing signs of needlecast disease, including yellowing needles, and was determined not to be healthy enough to make the journey to Washington, D.C. As part of the annual planning process, the Architect of the Capitol’s office and the U.S. Forest Service identify two to three backup trees in the event the primary tree is affected by illness, wildfire or other unforeseen circumstances. The healthy Engelmann spruce will be harvested in late October before beginning its journey to the U.S. Capitol. This year’s theme, “Over the Rivers and Through the Woods,” celebrates Idaho’s forests, waterways and communities as the nation marks its 250th birthday.
“Arrow Tool Group is incredibly proud to host the final community celebration on the People’s Tree journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C.,” says Justin Sumner, vice president of sales, Arrow Tool Group. “We invite families throughout the region to join us in Littlestown to see this magnificent tree up close, sign the banner that will travel with it to Washington, enjoy some holiday fun and help us give the People’s Tree a send-off worthy of this great American tradition.”
During the Littlestown event, guests will have the opportunity to sign a commemorative banner on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree transport truck, adding their names and personal messages to the People’s Tree journey before it heads to Washington, D.C. Guests can also enjoy live music, refreshments and family-friendly activities throughout the event.
The celebration will also feature U.S. Forest Service educational displays and activities designed to connect visitors with America’s national forests and the people who care for them. Smokey Bear will be on hand to greet families and pose for photos.
“We are proud to welcome Arrow Tool Group, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and our neighbors throughout the region to Littlestown Ace Hardware for this very special occasion,” says Robert Gorsuch, manager, Littlestown Ace Hardware. “Having the final community celebration take place here in Littlestown gives our community a unique opportunity to be part of the People’s Tree journey before it reaches Washington, D.C.”
A centerpiece of the celebration will be the Arrow Tool Group Holiday Craft Center, hosted by DIY and lifestyle expert Serena Appiah, bringing Arrow’s holiday “Dec the Walls with Arrow” campaign to life.
Designed to inspire families to make the holidays their own, “Dec the Walls with Arrow” demonstrates how the right tools can make seasonal decorating, crafting and entertaining easier and more enjoyable.
At the Holiday Craft Center, Appiah will share approachable holiday DIY ideas and hands-on tips to help guests create festive décor, beautifully wrap and embellish gifts, assemble holiday projects and securely hang lights, garlands, wreaths and other seasonal decorations around the home. Guests will also be able to see Arrow tools in action and pick up practical ideas they can use throughout the holiday season.
“The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is about much more than the tree itself. It creates an opportunity to connect Americans with our forests, the communities along the journey and the people who care for these important resources,” says Terry Baker, CEO of the Society of American Foresters. “Community celebrations like Littlestown help bring the People’s Tree experience to life while sharing the story of sustainable forestry and the many people and partners who make this annual tradition possible.”
