White House Christmas tree again comes from NC

CRESTON, N.C. — A tree farm in the northwestern corner of North Carolina now knows which tree the White House wants for President Bush’s final Christmas in office.

River Ridge Tree Farms in Ashe County won the right to supply the tree in August, when it was named grand champion of the 2008 Christmas Tree Contest of the National Christmas Tree Association.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports a White House delegation chose the tree they want Tuesday. It will be cut the day after Thanksgiving.

White House Chief Usher Stephen Rochon designated the tree with strong branches, perfectly tapered from the top and able to be trimmed to 18 feet to fit in the Blue Room.

It’s the second straight year an Ashe County tree has been chosen. A tree from neighboring Alleghany County was the White House tree in 2005.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)