Cold Weather Moves Bismarck Tree Lighting Event Indoors

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Thousands of lights are twinkling on a tree at the North Dakota governor's mansion even after freezing temperatures sent the annual lighting ceremony indoors.

The Tree of Hope was lit outside the residence Monday for the 28th annual holiday celebration. The event is intended to promote mental health awareness and is sponsored by the North Dakota Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health and Mental Health America of North Dakota.

North Dakota first lady Betsy Dalrymple was scheduled to light the tree at 5 p.m. but a timer did the honors instead after the event was moved into a church because of the weather.

KXMB-TV reports the tree is decked out with roughly 10,000 lights, many of which are sponsored by community members to honor loved ones.