LANSING, Mich. (WILX) -The state Christmas tree arrived at the Michigan Capitol on Saturday, continuing a tradition that began in 1987.

The 68-foot spruce came from Sault Ste. Marie, marking the third tree from that community to serve as the state’s holiday centerpiece.

The tradition started when Governor James Blanchard asked the Michigan Department of Management and Budget to lead the search for a tree to grace the state Capitol for the holiday season. That first tree was also from Sault Ste. Marie.

Heath Miller with the State Capitol Christmas Tree crews said the annual harvest brings joy through community interaction.

“Getting to deal with the communities, getting to deal with the people when we’re up on the harvest,” said Miller. “There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scen

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