Bud and Diane Perrin, of Independence, had grown weary of admiring the massive eastern red cedar that had dominated their backyard near the downtown square the past eight years since they bought the home. They were ready to have it gone.
Enter the Missouri Department of Conservation's well-publicized annual search for the perfect Christmas tree to adorn the South Lawn of the 145-year-old Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City.
"They said it was perfect for what they needed," Bud Perrin said shortly before woodcutters from MDC arrived Tuesday to harvest the well-rounded, lush green tree. By 8 a.m. Monday, Gov. Jay Nixon and his wife, Georganne, will be able to judge for themselves if the Perrins' tree will suffice as the 2016 Governor's Christmas tree, as it will be sitting in their manicured front yard awaiting decorations.
The Nixons will preside over their final Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Friday.
It is estimated more than 50,000 people will visit the Executive Mansion to see the Perrins' tree, as well as the tree inside the house the Nixons have called home since Jan. 12, 2009. The first lady will preside over the candlelight tours of the landmark mansion's Christmas decorations 6:30-9 p.m. Friday and again 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
"Finding the official Christmas tree for display in front of the Governor's Mansion is a long-standing tradition for the MDC," department spokesman Joe Jerek said. "Each year, toward the end of summer, MDC issues a statewide call for nominations in search of that special tree. Missourians are encouraged to send photos of prospective trees, all of which are reviewed by MDC forestry staff."
The winning tree must be donated by its owners, Jerek said.
MDC insists the governor's tree be at least 30 feet tall and either a white pine, Norway spruce or an Eastern red cedar, such as the noble example that's traveling east from Independence to its final reward on the mansion lawn.
Getting the holiday symbol to the Executive Mansion is no job for Santa's elves and a reindeer-drawn sleigh. Indeed, the last couple of blocks are the most difficult. The tree will be trucked down Madison Street in the heart of the Capital City to the mansion. Jefferson City police will close Madison to traffic 6-10 a.m. Monday as a truck-mounted crane hoists the cedar over the spiked, wrought-iron fence and into place on the governor's lawn.
State crews then will spend the next five days decorating the boughs with lights and ornaments in preparation for the ceremonial illumination Friday.