Official White House Christmas tree picked in Wisconsin

SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. (WSAW) — A Wisconsin family Christmas tree business will be meeting the First Lady this November, when they present the White House with this year’s Christmas tree.

Diane and Jim Chapman, and their son David, of Silent Night Evergreens will be presenting the White House with this year’s Christmas tree. On Monday, two White House officials came to pick out the special tree that starts the holiday season.

“Today truly marks the first day of Christmas for us at the White House. Truly a remarkable tree and going to be a beautiful addition to holidays at the White House,” said White House Chief Usher Timothy Harleth.

The White House Chief Usher and Superintendent of Grounds came to Shawano County Monday to pick the tree that will grace the Blue Room.

“I can just see it just making the holiday season for the White House,” said Dale Haney, White House Superintendent of Grounds.

The Chapman family will be presenting the chosen tree at a special ceremony later this year.

“It’s something that you never forget and honestly you never quit bragging about,” said Diane Chapman.

This is the third time they’ve won the National Christmas Tree Association’s contest, which has been providing the White House’s official Christmas tree since 1966.

“Winning the competition is really special for these people. It’s sort of the pinnacle of what you do, to be recognized by your peers as being the best,” said Marsha Gray, Director of Communications with the National Christmas Tree Association.

The two White House officials spent Monday morning checking out the different options and measuring trees to find the perfect one to head to D.C. The tree must be at least 18 and a half feet tall.

“The size and the shape, the smell, the color, great trunk, it’s going to fill the room, it’s going to look awesome in the Blue Room,” said Haney.

“Oh it’s perfect, it’s beautiful all the way around, it’s got great color, it just couldn’t be any nicer,” said Diane.

Measuring 19 and a half feet tall, the Balsam Fir will represent Wisconsin this holiday season.

“We can’t even describe it. It is such an honor and you know to be chosen number one out of our entire industry is incredible,” said Diane.

“Wisconsin has taken more trees to the White House than any other state,” said Gray.