FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
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West Virginia's annual Joyful Night celebration returns with special State Christmas Tree from Watoga State Park - December 4, 2024
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CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice cordially invite all West Virginians to join them at this year's Joyful Night celebration, taking place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. on the South Steps of the West Virginia State Capitol.
The focal point of this year's festivities will be the lighting of the State Christmas Tree, a 54-ft Norwood Spruce specially harvested this year from Pocahontas County's Watoga State Park. The West Virginia Division of Forestry, the General Services Division, and the West Virginia Division of Highways all participated in the cutting, transporting, and positioning of the tree.
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"Our Joyful Night celebration has always been a highlight of the holiday season for Cathy and me," Gov. Justice said. "For the past eight years, it's been an incredible honor to kick off the holidays with our extended West Virginia family. This year, though, it's bittersweet knowing this will be our final celebration as your Governor and First Lady. But let me tell you—we will make this one count. This Joyful Night celebration will be the biggest, most special one yet, and we can't think of anyone else we'd rather share it with than all of you. It's a night you truly won't want to miss. We hope you'll join us as we come together to celebrate the season, our amazing community, and the love we all share for our beautiful state."
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"Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I couldn't be more excited for tomorrow's Joyful Night celebration," First Lady Cathy Justice said. "This year will be truly special with amazing performances from our talented local high school bands and choirs. We'll light up our most beautiful Christmas tree yet right on the Capitol steps, and it will be so magical! After the celebration, head over to the Culture Center for a cozy reception with plenty of snacks and refreshments. I'd love for everyone to come out and celebrate the season with us!"
At 6:30 p.m., the Governor and First Lady will join those gathered at the South Steps of the State Capitol to illuminate the State Christmas Tree, adorned with holiday decorations. This special occasion marks the official commencement of the holiday season, bringing warmth and joy to the hearts of West Virginians across the state.
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Prior to the tree lighting ceremony, attendees are invited to gather at Lincoln Plaza on the south side of the Capitol at 6:00 p.m., where they will be entertained by seasonal tunes from the Woodrow Wilson High School Band, Nitro High School Showcats Show Choir, and the Barboursville Elementary Choir.
Following the tree lighting ceremony, guests are encouraged to embark on a journey through the Capitol Complex. In the West Rotunda of the State Capitol, visitors can admire the beautifully decorated trees honoring Gold Star Mothers, members of the Armed Forces, and First Responders. The Red Cross will also be present, providing a special card for military personnel currently serving our country.
Meanwhile, the Culture Center's Great Hall will transform into a winter wonderland, offering light refreshments and showcasing the winning ornaments from the First Lady's West Virginia Student Ornament Competition.
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For those unable to attend the event in person, West Virginia Public Broadcasting will broadcast the celebration live on the West Virginia Channel.
Viewers can also tune in to the Governor's and First Lady's social media platforms – YouTube, X, and Facebook – to view the event from the comfort of their homes.
The full video of the event will be available on-demand on the Governor's and First Lady's social media platforms following the conclusion of the Joyful Night celebration.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/zQYlUQjPf3w
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WVGovernor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wvgovernor
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