HSC represented on state tree

The Christmas tree on display at the Governor's Mansion has some new ornaments this year after First Lady Jennie Gordon began going through the ornaments of Christmas past and wanted to add to the collection.

Word went out to all the counties that the First Lady would like a hand painted ornament with something unique from each county.

Thermopolis' own Nadja Cavin created a lovely scene to represent Hot Springs County, complete with the terraces and swinging bridge on the hand blown ornament.

When Cavin was approached to do the ornament, she said she was extremely excited. "I am so very proud of this state and this county," she said.

"When trying to figure out what to paint, there were so many options to choose from, such as the Wind River Canyon, Legend Rock Petroglyph site, the amazing landscape, the pioneer and Native American culture.

"I wanted to feature something in the park. The park attracts both locals and non-locals by the thousands every year, and the swinging bridge is such a beautiful and prominent feature in the area. Though the existing bridge is a replacement for the old 1916 structure, it still represents a lot of early history in the area."

Getting the ornament ready to ship back to Cheyenne wasn't a fast process.

"Painting the ornament took approximately two weeks since each layer had to have time to thoroughly dry prior to applying the next coat," she said.

The new ornaments are proudly displayed in the Governor's Mansion in Cheyenne.