by John Hensler

Back in August we loaded our trailer with a Fraser fir and White pine and drove to the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Both trees were entered in the Open Class Christmas tree judging, and we were thrilled when our beautiful 7-1/2 foot Fraser fir was selected as grand champion out of the four classes of spruce, pine, fir and other species.

John Scheetz, a forester at Hensler Nursery, selected the 8 year old Fraser fir from our Starke County farm. When you’re in the Christmas tree business, you tend to think every tree is beautiful so we could have chosen any tree from the field. We’re pleased the judges thought the one we entered had the eye appeal of a grand champion.

We enjoy participating in this competition each year because of the exposure it gives to Indiana Christmas tree growers and real Christmas trees. Only real trees have that unbeatable fresh fragrance and unique beauty- we can’t imagine celebrating the holiday without one!