Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey officially kicked off the Christmas season Dec. 3 with the lighting of the Arizona Capitol Christmas tree.

Students from Benchmark Elementary School and Mountain Meadows Primary School joined Ducey for the festive event. Mountain Meadows donated the 25-foot blue spruce from Heber.

The Benchmark Elementary Choir serenaded attendees with holiday songs. The governor used part of the event to talk about the state’s partnership with Bags of Love, which is collecting donations for Arizona's less fortunate children during the holidays.

“There’s no more cheerful time of year, and this year Arizona is celebrating the season of giving through a partnership between the Department of Child Safety and Bags of Love,” Ducey said. “Throughout December, bins will be placed around the state Capitol where people can drop off clothes, school supplies and other donations for kids in need. My thanks to DCS, Bags of Love and all the students from Benchmark Elementary School and Mountain Meadows Primary School for making this holiday season so special.”