White House awaits Christmas Tree from Wisconsin

NESHKORO, Wis. (AP) -- It took two decades to grow. And, with the whirl of a chain saw the 18-foot balsam fir came tumbling down in south central Wisconsin. Its destination? The evergreen is headed for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue where it will be presented to first lady Michelle Obama the day after Thanksgiving.

The official White House Christmas tree comes from Tom and Sue Schroeder's farm in Marquette County.

Sue Schroeder couldn't watch Thursday when workers cut into the trunk to harvest the tree that her husband, Tom, calls "drop dead gorgeous."

The Schroeders had their eyes on the tree for years, hoping it would be a winner. And, it was. The Journal Sentinel says the tannenbaum was grand champion of the National Christmas Tree Association competition this year.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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