Montana Kid Picked to Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

As the senior senator from the state providing the tree, Jon Tester got to pick the person to do the official lighting.

The senator has chosen 11-year-old sixth-grader Ridley Brandmayr of Bozeman to do the honor. And while he may likely be a Bobcat fan :-) he sounds like a deserving youngster. Ridley will get to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree December 6 at the annual holiday ceremony in Washington, D.C.  The tree was chosen from Montana's Kootenai National Forest.

Earlier this year, Ridley lost all the fingers on his right hand in an accident. But he has continued swimming and playing his cello. You may recall that Senator Tester, a former music teacher, lost three fingers on his left hand when he was a kid. Ridley also enjoys hunting and fishing.

Remember, the Capitol Christmas tree will be making a stop at Missoula's Southgate Mall tomorrow evening (Wednesday, November 15) at 6:00 p.m., as part of its tour on the way to the nation's capitol.

Congratulations, Ridley! We know you'll represent Montana well.

DB