There will be singing, cowboy poetry, a bonfire, treats and much more Saturday evening as the Montana Historical Society and its friends celebrate the holiday season early with the Nation's Christmas tree as the centerpiece.

The U.S. Forest Service and the Helena Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with the Society for the evening

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the nation's official Capitol Christmas tree will be at the Society just east of the Capitol, stopping on its journey by truck to Washington, D.C. for festivities there.

The 60-foot tree was cut in the Bitterroot National Forest and is only the third tree from Montana chosen for the Capitol tree.

Singer Jack Gladstone will perform during the event, as will the Helena Youth Choir. Helena cowboy poet Mike Logan will be reading some of his poems, as well. There will be a bonfire and refreshments also outdoors so people are asked to dress warmly.

The Society's Museum Store will be open throughout the event for holiday shopping and has a wide range of authors lined up to autograph copies of their books.

The authors include Stephanie Ambrose-Tubbs, Jon Axline, Ellen Baumler, Stan Cohen, J.M. Cooper, Barb Fifer, John Fitzpatrick, Krys Holmes, Martin Kidston, John Lambing, Kathe LeSage and Jessica Solberg.

"This event has really turned out well. We are going to bring a lot of friends together to celebrate all of the great things that Montana has to offer us at this special time of the year," Society Director Richard Sims said.

Also that day, parents and guardians are invited to bring their kids to the Society from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a family craft activity day held.

Materials will be provided free so that families can make Christmas tree ornaments with a "quilt" theme in honor of the Society's new exhibit "Traditions in Color and Comfort: Montana's Quilting Heritage."

Those who participate can make ornaments for the Society's Christmas tree as well as some to take home for their own trees.