30th ANNUAL PRESIDENT FORD TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY RETURNS DEC. 20

On Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., Gerald R. Ford and his family will once again celebrate the holiday season in Vail at the 30th Annual President Ford Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Discover Card.

VAIL, Colo.-Nov. 14, 2003- On Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m., Gerald R. Ford and his family will once again celebrate the holiday season in Vail at the 30th Annual President Ford Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Discover Card.

Part-time Vail resident and former president Ford, who turned 90 this summer, will light Vails signature tree during the towns traditional holiday ceremony. Technicians from the Town of Vail have already begun to adorn the 40-foot tree, affectionately known as 'Jerrys Tree, with thousands of colored lights. The ceremony will also include holiday wishes from local dignitaries, musical performances, caroling and will culminate in the lighting of the tree.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of Vails favorite traditions for both locals and guests alike," said Vail Valley Chamber & Tourism Bureau president Frank Johnson.
We are always honored have President Ford and his family help us ring in the holiday season."

President Ford and his family, nicknamed Vails 'first residents, have been coming to Vail for 35 years and have been active participants and supporters of the local community. When Ford became the 38th president of the United States he focused national attention on the Vail Valley and helped popularize the sport of skiing. The Fords were also instrumental in bringing two world skiing championships to the Vail Valley in 1989 and 1999. Two of Vails most popular and acclaimed attractions bear the Fords names; the world-class Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and the renowned Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

We are incredibly grateful for all the contributions the Fords have made to the community over the years," said Johnson. The tree lighting ceremony is a great opportunity for the Vail Valley community to celebrate and say thanks to the Fords."

For more information on the 30th Annual President Ford Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Discover Card please contact Laurie Asmussen at (970) 376-3756 or laurie@vailartsfestival.com.
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