Joyful Night at the Capitol Tonight

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and first lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin are kicking off the holiday season tonight with the annual Joyful Night celebration at the state capitol complex. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. when the governor and first lady light the state Christmas tree. The 30-foot blue spruce was donated by Ed and Ginny Dumire of Beverly. High school marching bands and choirs are also expected to perform. There will also be a special ceremony in the governor’s reception room to honor military service members, veterans, Gold Star families and first responders. The first family is asking residents to bring to the event a new, unwrapped toy that can be donated to the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots campaign.