President Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama found themselves in good company on Thursday afternoon, as nearly 20,000 people filled the south end grounds of the White House for the 2014 National Christmas Tree Lighting.
Now in its 92nd year, the annual holiday celebration featured its typical star-studded program, including performances by Patti LaBelle, NE-YO, Fifth Harmony, Cheryl Wright, The Tenors, Nico & Vinz, Steve Miller, and Rita Wilson.
Wilson was joined by her husband, Academy Award-winning actor
Tom Hanks, in welcoming the First Family to the event, with the Obamas officially flipping the switch that illuminated this year's 29-foot tall Colorado blue spruce.
As it has for the past 50+ years,
GE provided the lighting for the 2014 tree, which boasts a traditional red, green, and white LED-powered color scheme.
Newfound sponsor
Google also provided an innovative twist to this year's displays by enlisting the support of the Internet giant's charitable
Made w/ Code initiative.
Accordingly, the lighting design of each of the 56 individual holiday trees that surround their national counterpart was coded by girls from around the United States. The end goal being to promote diversity in the field of computer science by creatively engaging young women.
Making spirits bright just happens to be a happy byproduct...
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Be sure to check out all of our photographs from this event HERE!