Champion Blue Spruce Gorwn on Reed Island Farm!

Reed Island Farm three-time Tree Champ!! 1998, 2003, 2005 2003 Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Grand Champion! On August 14 th & 15th, 2003, the VCTGA had its annual meeting in Natural Bridge, VA. A major part of the convention is the tree and wreath contest. Not all the farms enter, but those that do bring a selection of trees grown on their farm, or wreaths made by them. The trees are judged within their species, and the wreaths in categories of decorated or undecorated. This year, Billy entered an eight foot Fraser Fir, and Betty made an undecorated wreath, using Fraser, Blue Spruce, Hemlock, and holly. The wreath, which admittedly had gotten a bit larger and wilder looking than originally intended, still won 3rd place. But the big surprise came when we saw that not only had Billy's Fraser Fir taken First Place in its category, but had also won the Grand Champion!!

The Grand Champion also wins the privilege of presenting a tree from their farm to the Va. Governor's Mansion. Since we had won this honor in 1998, we know that sometime close to Thanksgiving we will make the five-hour drive to Richmond, and present a Christmas tree from Reed Island Farm to Governor Mark Warner. We will post more photos of the event, after it happens.

Happy Champ Billy Cornette!!	Back at home for one last photo op before the tree becomes habitat.

Betty with her wild mixed greens wreath.	Billy with his Champ plaque.
	The annual convention also holds the elections for officers and board members. Sue Bostic, at left, presenting the plaque to Billy, was elected President of the VCTGA.

On August 13-15, 1998 the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association held its annual convention in Winchester, Virginia. One of the more exciting features of this gathering is the Tree and Wreath contest, for which many growers bring their finest trees, and plain or decorated wreaths. This was the first year we decided to enter, so Billy selected a particularly lovely Colorado Blue Spruce.

We were happily surprised, upon looking over the winners, to find our Spruce had not just one, but two ribbons hanging from its branches!
A blue ribbon for First Place in the Spruce category, and the coveted purple, for the Grand Champion of all the entered trees!
This honor also allowed Reed Island Farm to present a Christmas tree to the Governor of Virginia, which was used this Christmas in the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Va., on behalf of the VCTGA!

Here we are on the steps of the Governor's Mansion in Richmond, Virginia, with Gov. Jim Gilmore, who graciously accepted our tree.