Fun facts about Capitol Xmas tree

CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE FUN FACTS: The tree was first installed and lit in 1958, and has been lit every year since, with the exception of once during the energy crisis of the 1970s. There are 4,373 25-watt bulbs and 36 strands of lights (99 feet in length, with 110 bulbs in each strand) strung up to the top of the spire, along with 3 strands totaling 233 lights at the base of the tree. Every fifth bulb is a clear, blinking bulb, which gives the tree its sparkle. Three stars are placed at the top of the tree, with 60 bulbs in each star. Olsen Lighting of Hollywood originally designed and fabricated the tree; it was the first of its kind to be installed on top of a high-rise building. (11/21a)