Blaine House Christmas trees to honor the troops

December 1, 2014

For more information contact: John Bott at: 207-287-3156

The Kennebec Garden Club will decorate Balsam Firs donated by the Granger Family Farm

AUGUSTA ? In preparation for the holidays, the Kennebec Garden Club will decorate two of three Blaine House balsam fir trees donated by Granger Family Farm in China, Maine. The two trees will be displayed inside the Blaine House for the holidays. A third tree will be located in the First Family?s private living quarters and will be decorated by the LePage family.

According to First Lady Ann LePage, this year's annual theme is: Tribute to the Troops.

?Paul and I truly appreciate all that the Garden Club does each Christmas to create a festive atmosphere at the Blaine House, as well as the generous annual gifts from the Granger Family Farm,? said First Lady Ann LePage. ?I couldn?t have been happier when they chose a theme to honor our troops this year. It?s critical that we remember the sacrifices of those who have served and honor those who currently wear the uniform. Over the years they have too often been separated from their families during the holidays. This will remind us to keep them all in our prayers and be ever grateful for the sacrifices our military men and women have made to protect us, our families and the freedoms we enjoy each and every day.?

According to Clark Granger, the gift is his third. Clark has been growing Christmas trees since the 1950s and has planted over 200,000 trees in his lifetime.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf