On a foggy early morning, White House Officials Dale Haney Superintendent of Grounds & Robert Downing Chief Usher arrived at Cartner’s Frasier Fir Christmas Tree Farm, located in Newland, NC, October 28, 2024 to select the magnificent White House Blue Room Tree. The Cartner brothers with White House officials led the way, while the media and invited guests followed closely behind dodging one another to capture the photographic- video moment, it was exciting with great anticipation. Which Tree?
As the Cartner brothers, David, Sam and Jim led the way up the beautiful Frasier Fir trees, Dale and Robert carefully eyed each tree that was available. The White House Officials were looking for a 20′ x 10-12′ wide tree that had a strong and straight base while the foliage was full and dense for hanging alot of ornaments. In addition, the tree shape had to be perfect for the magnificent blue room at the White House. Having been at the White House as a holiday decorator I have seen this large fresh tree set in position in the blue room.
How the Christmas Tree Enters the White House Blue Room
8-10 strong men with ropes lay the tree on it’s side over a tarp and pull the tree through the front entrance of the White House, which glides easily straight into the blue room. Since the blue room is round, and very tall, the chandelier comes down and a cherry picker moves in. Volunteers decorate the top of the tree standing on the picker. It’s quite the scene.
Back at Cartner’s Christmas Tree Farm three to four trees were being eyed and inspected. Dale Haney peered through the branches of a promising candidate, while David measured the tree to make sure it was the right height and width.
Dale and Robert Decided They Found the Winner!
Sam Cartner and Jennifer Greene, Executive Director, North Carolina Christmas Tree Association attached a beautiful red, white and blue bow on the branches. Sam also named the tree, “Tree-mendous “as the tree survived hurricane helene that tragically destroyed many homes, families, businesses and Christmas Tree Farms. The Cartner’s lost several trees due to mud slides, heavy rains.
In addition, to this event, there will be another event in November for the tree send off. This event the tree will be cut and packaged for the 8 hour trip to Washington DC to the People’s House. In honor of the hurricane families a toy drive fundraising event will take place after the official send off.
The Cartner Christmas Tree Farm, David, Sam and Jim were the 2024 Grand Champion Grower at the National Christmas Tree Association’s 2023 National Christmas Tree contest. With this award goes the honor of presenting a Christmas tree to the White House. “
On a personal note; Just wish I was there to decorate this beautiful tree. It would have completed my story of 2023 Cartner Christmas Tree Farm with Santa in a Vintage Red Truck, published in my magazine, All About the Table. But God has another plan. The Cartner’s are wonderful people and have many friends, including everyone who visits their tree farm.
