Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback takes delivery of a locally-grown Christmas tree donated to Cedar Crest and delivered by members of the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association. | Download this photo.
Local tree farms donate trees, wreath to Cedar Crest and state capitol
Annual governor’s Christmas tree arrives via horse-drawn wagon
Dec. 5, 2017
TOPEKA, Kan. – An annual tradition of presenting the governor with a local tree continued this year, two days before Thanksgiving. As in years past, local tree farms donated trees to Cedar Crest, the Kansas governor’s residence, as well as the capitol building.
The trees and wreath rolled up to Cedar Crest in horse-drawn wagons. Robin Dunn of Dunn's Landing in Wellsville, and Cecil and Robert Carter from 3C Carriage Service of White City once again lent their support by providing the horses and wagons.
Aaron and Michelle Peck, owners of Bel Tree Farm in Salina, donated a nine-foot Scotch pine tree, and a large wreath that will adorn Cedar Crest. Jeff and Kathy Heeb of Prairie Elf Christmas Trees in Lawrence provided a 10-foot Austrian pine tree for the capitol building. Both tree farms are members of the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association, and are open for business for the holiday season. Visit the KCTGA online to find a local tree farm in your area. Many tree farms provide a complete holiday experience.
Kansans are invited to enter their decorated trees to the Kansas Forest Service 2017 Christmas Tree Competition by posting pictures of their decorated trees on the Kansas Forest Service Facebook page in the month of December. Winners will have their choice of 25 bare root seedlings for the spring 2018 planting season. Only natural trees (once-living) are eligible.
