White House tree harvested in Wisconsin

NESHKORO, Wis., Nov. 18 (UPI) -- The official White House Christmas tree has been harvested in Wisconsin and is headed for Washington, the National Christmas Tree Association said.

The 19-foot balsam fir, harvested Thursday near Neshkoro, Wis., was handpicked by White House Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney and Jim Adams with the National Park Service on Oct. 3. It was planted by Sue and Tom Schroeder nearly two decades ago, the National Christmas Tree Association said.

The couple, winners of the association's annual Christmas Tree contest, will officially present the Blue Room Christmas tree to first lady Michelle Obama the day after Thanksgiving.

"I'm happy with the tree they selected, and I hope the First Family and all the visitors to the White House enjoy the tree we grew here on our small family farm," Sue Schroeder said in a statement.

The couple started selling Christmas trees in 1976 on a busy corner in Neenah, Wis. and later started planting trees on their 160-acre farm.

Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966, the association said.