Governor Glenn Youngkin received five Fraser Fir Christmas trees and two wreaths at the Executive Mansion in Richmond, Virginia. The delivery was made by Ian Hamilton and his fiancé Sarah Thompson of Olde Church Christmas Tree Farm in Powhatan, with support from the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association (VCTGA). The trees included two 12-foot, one 7-foot, and two 5-foot Fraser Firs.
After receiving the trees and wreaths, Governor Youngkin presented a proclamation declaring December as Virginia Christmas Tree Month. He stated, “Nothing represents the holiday season more than a fresh cut Virginia Christmas tree. A very important sector of the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry industries, the growing and selling of Virginia Christmas Trees provides a significant boost to our state’s economy. Thank you to the VCTGA and Hamilton family for delivering these beautiful trees and wreaths to Virginia’s executive mansion.”
Virginia is ranked eighth in the United States for Christmas tree production. Annual sales are estimated at about $25 million. Farmers in Virginia grow several types of trees including cypress, fir, pine, and spruce on over 9,000 acres throughout the state. The leading counties for production acreage are Grayson, Loudoun, Culpeper, Floyd, and Scott.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr said: “No matter where you reside in the state, you don’t have to look hard to find a Virginia Christmas tree. You can make great family memories and support local farmers by visiting one of our more than 480 Christmas tree farms in Virginia.”
People interested in finding a local farm can search online using the VCTGA website at https://virginiachristmastrees.org. Many farms offer additional products such as fresh-made wreaths, garlands, greenery, roping, centerpieces, and tree stands. Some also provide hot beverages or holiday treats for visitors. Customers are encouraged to call ahead to confirm product availability and hours.
Images from this event are available on Flickr with photo credit attributed to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
