Balsam Fir grown in Wisconsin will be centerpiece of holiday decorating scheme...During an annual and charming ceremony that includes a horse-drawn carriage driving up to the North Portico, First Lady Michelle Obama will be presented with the Official White House Christmas Tree this Friday, Nov. 25th, the East Wing announced today. (Above: Mrs. Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha receiving the 2010 Christmas tree)
The glorious tree, a 19-foot-tall Balsam Fir, comes from Schroeder’s Forevergreens near Neshkoro, Wisconsin, where it was grown by the 2011 National Christmas Tree Association Grand Champion winners Sue and Tom Schroeder. The tree was selected in early October, said the East Wing, "and harvested this month." The Schroeders will present the tree to Mrs. Obama during the brief 11:00 AM ceremony, which typically includes members of the President's Own Marine Corps Band playing carols beneath the North Portico.
Schroeder’s Forevergreens is one of approximately 800 Christmas tree farms and lots nationwide that donate Christmas trees to the Christmas SPIRIT Foundations’ Trees for Troops program, according to the East Wing.
"Trees for Troops has provided 84,000 full-sized farm-grown Christmas trees to troops and military families since it began in 2005 and this year’s goal is to deliver their 100,000th tree."
The tree will be one of about 24 that will be on display at the White House through the holiday season, and will be in the Blue Room. Mrs. Obama's 2011 decorating theme will be announced shortly.
Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966.
Last year's tree was grown in Pennsylvania. Read about it here.
*Pool photo