Grand champion Christmas tree selected

Voting took place recently at the association’s summer convention in Harrisville.

WCTPA members are able to enter one tree in any or all of the contest’s five classes - balsam fir, Fraser fir, any spruce, any pine, and other fir. Members then vote for the best tree in each class and for an overall grand champion tree.

In addition to the Grand Champion and first place finish in the balsam fir class, Vander Veldens were awarded first place in the spruce class as well as a third place in the Fraser fir class.

Vander Velden will be representing their farm and all the members of WCTPA when they present a tree to Gov. Walker this coming December. They are eligible to enter the National Christmas Tree Association’s contest.

The winner of the national contest has the honor of presenting a tree to the First Lady of the White House.

The Vander Veldens have been growing trees on their farm in Oconto County for 25 years. They currently grow several species of trees on approximately 150 acres of land. They operate a choose and cut farm, which includes fun activities such as visiting with Santa and riding a horse-drawn wagon or the Whispering Pines Express train.

A candy store is popular with the children, while adults will enjoy shopping in their new holiday ornament shop at the lodge where visitors can find hot cocoa and other food snacks. Along with the cut your own farm, they also operate a retail tree lot in Green Bay and make wreaths and garland to sell.

For more information visit their website at www.whisperingpinestreefarm.com.