Idaho Kids Compete for Capitol Tree Honor | Boise News

Idaho fourth graders have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine: win a statewide essay contest and get to light the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in D.C. in 2026. Sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, the contest invites kids to write about why Idaho’s forests and clean water matter — with the theme “Over the Rivers and Through the Woods.” Essays must be 350–500 words, original, no AI help, and require parental consent. Winners will fly to Washington with three family members, stay at a hotel, get food money, and read their essay aloud during the tree-lighting ceremony. Plus, they might get invited to local Idaho events and have their name and image used in the program. Deadline: September 30, 2026. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/82e6a6e0fccb912b