The tree comes to Cortez

Casey Rucker hugs Santa Claus at the Capitol Christmas Tree celebration Friday.

After the rain chased most of the crowd away Friday, the Capitol Christmas Tree, which is covered, became the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in Cortez.

Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell steps out of the 105-foot long truck that he’s driving from Colorado to Washington, D.C., carrying the Capitol Christmas Tree.

U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton speaks at the Capitol Christmas Tree celebration.

Cortez Mayor Dan Porter welcomes Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell to the podium for the ceremony.

At right, Brownie Scouts Jayden Thomason and Ashley Horn react with excitement as they spot the Capitol Christmas Tree pulling into the parking lot behind First National Bank Friday.