Mack Trucks unveiled the custom-decorated Mack Pinnacle model, which will be driven by former US Sen Ben Nighthorse Campbell as he hauls the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree from Colorado to Washington DC.
The theme of the design is “From One National Treasure to Another,” pointing to Mack’s 112-year legacy. The truck features Mack the Bulldog hauling a tree through the snow, with mountains in the background.
“The Capitol Christmas Tree is a great tradition in the United States, and Mack is proud to once again participate in the project,” said John Walsh, Mack vice-president of marketing.
Campbell, who represented Colorado from 1993-2005, also helped transport the Capitol Christmas Tree in 2000.
“It is a privilege to drive the tree for the US Capitol from Colorado this year,” said Campbell. “It’s just as exciting, though, to get behind the wheel of a Mack truck again. I know I can count on a great ride and a uniquely American holiday experience.”
Choose Outdoors, a national non-profit coalition for outdoor recreation, is coordinating the 2012 Capitol Christmas Tree tour with the White River National Forest.
The Capitol Christmas Tree tour officially begins November 3 in Meeker CO, where the tree will be harvested from the 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest in the Rocky Mountains. After a celebration in Meeker, the tree will be wrapped and embark on its route to the nation’s capital, stopping at cities and towns in Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
The SmartWay-certified Pinnacle Axle Back model sleeper is equipped with a trailer, donated by Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel of Allentown PA. The trailer will be fitted with a custom-built cradle to support the tree’s branches. The tree will find its holiday home on the Capitol lawn shortly after Thanksgiving, when it will be decorated with ornaments made by Colorado youth and lit with 10,000 low-energy LED lights in a ceremony led by Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH).