Area Christmas tree farm, Hensler Nursery, won Grand Champion at the Indiana State Fair Christmas tree competition on Thursday, August 5. Hensler’s entered two trees: an 8’ White Pine and a 7’ Fraser Fir. The white Pine received a blue ribbon in the pine category. The Fraser Fir, entered in the fir category, also received a blue ribbon. Further, the White Pine was judged to be Grand Champion and the Fraser Fir was named reserve champion.

Hensler Nursery, Hamlet, IN., operates Christmas Fest, which opens the day after Thanksgiving in Starke County. Nursery Forester, John Scheetz was confident that the trees he brought to Indianapolis would possibly win. According to Scheetz, “I knew the White Pine would place well in competition. The tree was full and being eight feet tall, I knew that it would impress the judge.”

The trees remain on display throughout the fair. Judging occurs in the air-conditioned Ag-Hort building and the trees entered into competition are displayed by the booth area manned by the Indiana Christmas tree growers Association. This is a high traffic area as many people pass by to enter the landscape/architecture exhibit of Ball State University.