Alice in Dairyland Cuts State’s First Official Christmas Tree
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On November 18, 2009 Paul’s Tree Farm hosted a ceremony in which Alice in Dairyland, Cheryl O’Brien, cut the state’s first official Christmas tree. Joining the festivities were the fourth graders from Brodhead Elementary School, members of the Brodhead FFA, Santa & Mrs. Claus, news media & general public. Iditarod Musher, Glenn Lockwood of DeForest, WI was scheduled to attend and demonstrate dogsled racing, but due to mechanical problems with his truck he was forced to cancel. Also attending was Cheryl Nicholson, Executive Secretary of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association & Editor of their Quarterly Journal. |
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| Despite a light rain, spirits were not dampened during the festivities. Alice gave a brief talk about agriculture and the Christmas tree industry. Paul Schilling gave a brief talk about the history of Paul’s Tree Farm. | |
| Click here for a video of the tree being cut | |
| As the fourth graders watched, Alice harvested a beautiful 9-foot Canaan Fir. Students and FFA members assisted in carrying the tree out of the field. The tree was donated to the Brodhead Elementary School. | |
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| Santa & Mrs. Claus led the students in singing Christmas songs, storytelling and passed out mini candy canes. | |
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Popcorn and apple cider (cider donated by Ten Eyck Orchard, Brodhead, WI) were served to all attending. Each student was given an Activity Packet, from Paul’s Tree Farm, containing Coloring Book, Activity Booklet with Christmas tree facts, candy cane and tree ornament craft kit. One Packet contained a certificate for a Free Choose & Cut Christmas tree. The winning student was Carissa B. who will be returning to Paul’s Tree Farm with her family to cut their free tree. Paul & Helen Schilling of Paul’s Tree Farm would like to thank “Alice” and her assistants for organizing the activities for the day. |
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