This opportunity combines it all: a giant Christmas tree, thousands of lights, and an once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C.

All Californians between the ages of 5 and 17 are invited by the U.S. Forest Service and its partners to participate in a drawing to win an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in early December with Speaker of the House John Boehner.

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The winning child will turn on the 10,000 lights that illuminate the 65-foot Christmas tree erected in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. The trip, which is paid for through private donations, covers the cost of travel for the winning child and an accompanying parent or guardian.

“A young Californian will have the chance to participate in the tree lighting ceremony this year because the Stanislaus National Forest is supplying the 65-foot white fir that will stand on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol building. The tree is known as the ‘People’s Tree’ and is a gift from Californians to the entire nation,” said Maria C. Benech, U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree coordinator.

Interested participants must move quickly; all entries must be postmarked by Friday, Oct. 7. Entry forms and other information about the drawing and the history of the U.S. Capitol Tree are available at www.capitolchristmastree2011.org.

The website also includes specifications and shipping directions for handmade ornaments, which are being sought to decorate the Capitol Christmas Tree. Individuals of all ages, including artists and crafters, are encouraged to create and donate ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree. Ornament makers are encouraged to use recycled or natural materials for their creations.