Break From Tradition: RI State House Decked With Artificial Tree

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island State House maintenance workers will have one less job this holiday season: watering the massive Christmas tree in the center of the rotunda. This year, Governor Gina Raimondo chose an 18-foot, artificial tree, to be ceremonially lit at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration later this week.

Rhode Island residents are invited to the celebration at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, hosted by Governor Raimondo and her family, who will light the tree at 6:15 p.m. Once the tree is lit, the Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit will read "The Night Before Christmas." The event will also feature performances by the LaSalle Academy Concert Chorus, "The Governor’s Own" 88th Army Band, and the Scandinavian Women’s Chorus of Rhode Island, along with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and crafts for children. Attendees are aasked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Rhode Island State Police's "Fill a Cruiser" drive. Toys will be distributed to charities around the state, to benefit kids in need.

The artificial tree, purchased from Balsam Hill with leftover funds from the 2017 National Governor's Association Conference, will be kept in storage for future Rhode Island governors to use each holiday season.

"Rhode Island’s perennial challenges with the State House Christmas tree have been well-documented," Raimondo said. "Due to conditions inside the State House, it’s challenging to keep a real tree alive and thriving from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. I want Rhode Islanders to be able to enjoy the State House Christmas decorations—especially the tree—for the entirety of the holiday season."

In 2017, the State House tree had to be replaced on Dec. 18 after the first one dried out and died, WJAR reported.