MADISON, WI – A Gillett family is celebrating a unique honor after their balsam fir was selected as the official 2025 Wisconsin State Capitol Christmas Tree. Dave Vander Velden, whose property the tree came from, said the process began with a simple phone call to the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association, knowing the state is always searching for a tree large enough to fill the Capitol Rotunda.
Vander Velden said he and his family later traveled to Madison, where they proudly watched the lighting ceremony and saw their tree become part of a cherished statewide holiday tradition.
But the honor didn’t come without anticipation. Vander Velden said state officials inspected several trees before calling him back with the news that his would be the one chosen, an entirely donated gift to the people of Wisconsin.
He added that the final selection couldn’t have been better, calling it a perfect tree all around.
Comments