Could One Of the Albany Capitol Christmas Trees Be In Your Yard?

The state is looking for 2 local trees to celebrate the holidays at the Capitol, and here is how you can put one of your trees up for consideration.

Every time I think of searching for a Christmas tree, Clark Griswold always comes to mind with one of the most timeless Christmas Vacation movie lines:

"We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols."

New York's search for those trees to display at Empire State Plaza near the skating rink and in East Capitol Park is underway. According to the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) the state is looking for two New York spruce trees "...between 35 and 55 feet tall, easily accessible on the property, and clear of power lines..." that are in or close to the Capital Region. The state will take care of tree removal and any related costs in mid-November, and unlike Clark Griswold, they will not forget to bring a saw.

So how do you get one of your trees in the running to be featured during the annual tree lighting ceremony in December? OGS says to submit a tree, email Kevin Ciampi at Kevin.Ciampi@ogs.ny.gov, and include the following:

• The tree's location
• A photo of the Christmas tree to be
• Contact phone number

And maybe Clark Griswold this year, instead of shoving a tree that is way too big into his living room, can just submit the all-important Christmas symbol to the state!