Jim Bensley (right) and Wes Kline of General Administration direct the raising and securing of the Holiday Kids Tree in the Capitol Rotunda Monday.

OLYMPIA -- The Holiday Kids Tree was hoisted into its stand in the Capitol Rotunda at lunchtime Monday.

At about 25 feet, it's a slightly smaller tree than in recent years. But the state got a great deal on it...free. It came from the yard of a couple of retired state employees who said the state could have it if someone would come get it.

Still, 25 feet is pretty tall for putting something on the highest bough, so state workers who are decorating and erecting it on their off-hours put ornaments and lights on the top tier before raising it and setting it in the stand.

The state shares the tree with the Association of Washington Business, which has sponsored the Holiday Kids Tree since 1989. Official tree lighting ceremony is 6 p.m. Friday.

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