The Selma Times-Journal

Glistening lights and decorated trees spark the magic of Christmas.

This year, Valley Grande will be responsible for sparking some of that magic at the State Capitol.

One of three trees to be placed at the capital, the 40 foot Eastern Red Cedar will be the official state Christmas tree and will be placed at the top of the steps of the capital building’s west side facing Dexter Avenue while the two smaller 15 foot trees from Trafford, Ala., will be placed inside the capital building.

“It’s traditionally taken from a different area,” Valley Grande Mayor Tom Lee said of the state Christmas tree at Monday’s Valley Grande Council Meeting.

Lee seemed very excited as he made the announcement.

“Our land furnished the state Christmas tree,” Lee said.

Brothers Harold and Sam Stockman donated the tree that was cut on Monday, Nov. 20.

According to the Governor’s Office, the state’s annual tree lighting ceremony “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” will be held Friday, Dec. 1.

The Garden Club of Alabama – of which Selma’s Butterfly Capital Garden Club is affiliated – is sponsoring the event.

“The lighting of our state’s official Christmas tree is a wonderful tradition that Patsy and I look forward to every year,” said Gov. Bob Riley.

“We’re hoping Alabamians from all across the state will come and help us celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and pray for peace.”