For the first time, Michigan’s Christmas Tree is from Presque Isle County. Rep. Cam Cavitt was honored to welcome the 60-foot spruce to Lansing, Tuesday.

“Seeing this not-so-little piece of our Northeastern Michigan community on the doorstep of our Capitol is incredible,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “Having the opportunity to be a part of this great endeavor has been a highlight of my time in Lansing.”

The tree was donated by Onaway resident, Victor Ruppert. Ruppert gifted the tree in honor of his late wife, Shirley, who passed away in September 2022. Last week, Cavitt had the opportunity to help cut the tree down and prepare it for its journey to Lansing.

“I’m so grateful that Mr. Ruppert made this heartfelt donation,” Cavitt said. “Our entire Presque Isle community is proud that Shirley’s memory will be honored in Lansing this Christmas season.”

Now standing prominently on the Capitol lawn, the tree is one of only 13 others to come from Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Annually, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget conducts a state-wide search for a spruce or fir tree at least 60-feet tall.

The tree will be lit at the Lansing ‘Silver Bells’ celebration on November 17.

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