Celebrating Christmas Tree Month in Missouri
Jefferson City, MO – Governor Mike Parson recently hosted a ceremony proclaiming December as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri.
The proclamation was presented to winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association’s annual wreath and tree contests, held earlier this year at the association’s annual convention.
Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann, Mo., won the tree contest, and has provided an 8-foot tree to the Missouri Capitol. Located outside Governor Parson’s office, the Canaan fir tree has been growing at Pea Ridge Forest for eight years. Pea Ridge Forest offers choose and cut Christmas trees in addition to being a wholesale nursery.
The farm offers a variety of activities during the holiday season, including a gift shop, hay rides and complimentary hot chocolate. LeRoy and Mary Rood established Pea Ridge Forest in 1972 and the farm is currently owned by their sons, Mike and Scott. Pea Ridge Forest is truly a family business with three generations working on the farm.
The 2023 winning wreath comes from Meert Tree Farm in Festus, Mo. Meert Tree Farm offers Cut Your Own Christmas Trees, a Sunflower Maze and a Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch throughout the seasons. During the holiday season, the farm has a Christmas shop and children’s train rides. Domien and Eileen Meert established Meert Tree Farm in 1963 and the farm is now operated by their daughter, Jennifer, with the help of their other children and grandchildren.
To plan your family’s visit to a Christmas tree farm in your area, visit MissouriGrownUSA.com or MissouriChristmasTrees.org.