Minnesota-grown tree headed to US vice president's residence
SANDSTONE, Minn — A Minnesota tree grower will have the honor of sending a Christmas tree to our nation's capital.
"It's kind of just all been kind of a big surprise to us," said Myra Olson with Happy Land Tree Farms in Sandstone.
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After winning grand champion at the Minnesota State Fair, Happy Land Tree Farms qualified for nationals, and won the title of 2023 Reserve Champion Grower, better known as second place, at the National Christmas Tree and Wreath Contest.
But placing second isn't all that bad when it lands you the privilege of placement in the home of the vice president of the United States.
"It's a huge honor because we've always prided ourselves in really trying to do top quality of our trees," said Olson.
Happy Land chose a 10-foot Frasier fir because of its silvery-blue color and its overall symmetry.
The farm is also sending two other trees, along with 13 wreaths.
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The tree will stay at the farm in a refrigerated building until Monday. It will then be taken for a refrigerated semi-truck ride to Washington D.C., arriving by Wednesday.
"Being able to get to this level, it's like all of our hard work, it's paid off," said Olson.