An Oconto County Christmas tree is on its way to Washington D.C. The nearly 20-foot tall tree was cut down during a ceremony at Whispering Pines Tree Farm near Oconto on Tuesday. That Christmas tree will be displayed in the Blue Room of the White House during this holiday season.
“The tree is about 22-years-old from seed,” said Dave Vander Velden, the owner of Whispering Pines Tree Farm. “We grew it as an experimental garden. I tried a lot of trees and a lot of them didn’t turn out, but that was one row that turned out pretty good. We took seed off of that tree this year to produce more trees in the future.
The tree earned the honor because it was selected during a contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association.
“I always try reaching goals and that was the goal. It’s great it’s like winning the Super Bowl, or a gold medal at the Olympics. For a tree farmer, it doesn’t get any better. You’re at the top of your game.”
Vander Velden and his family will also have to opportunity to meet First Lady Michelle Obama when they travel to Washington D.C. for the presenting of the tree later this month.
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