Eldon Clawson and Santa present a Christmas tree to Governor Brownback. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)The Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of Christmas tree sales in many places. Kansas Christmas tree growers have had an easier time this year, thanks to lessening drought conditions. Eldon Clawson, of Country Christmas Trees in Wakarusa, says they have faced challenges in recent years, but drought conditions this year improved.
“It hasn’t entirely left us, because we had a month of pretty dry weather this summer. But everything pulled through good, the fall’s been good, we've already had some snow and a pretty good rain the other day. The trees really look fresh,” says Clawson.
Clawson provided the Christmas tree for the governor’s residence, Ceder Crest. It's a 9-foot, Scotch pine. The tree will be available for visitors to view during holiday open houses at Cedar Crest, which will take place from 1 to 3:30 each Monday afternoon before Christmas.