Texas House of Representatives

Nandita Berry, Texas Secretary of State, Patsy Spaw, Secretary of the Texas Senate, and Julie Straus, wife of Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, were on hand as Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association (TCTGA) President Keith McDaniel delivered the trees to the Capitol's south steps.

Mary Lou and Keith McDaniel, owners of the Kelumac Christmas Tree Farm Bed and Breakfast of Bryan, Texas, delivered three 7 foot Christmas trees: a Virginia Pine, a Leyland Cypress and a Fraser Fir. They then traveled by horse drawn carriage provided by Elaine Glass of Die Gelbe Rose Carriage around the drive to the south steps of the Capitol. The trees were then delivered to the House, Senate, and the Office of the Governor.

Mike Walterscheidt with TCTGA delivered additional trees to the Capitol from Elgin, including two 8-10 ft. Fraser Firs to be placed in the back hall behind the House and Senate Chambers.

With assistance from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the State Preservation Board installed a 19 ft. Virginia Pine in the House Chamber, compliments of Marshall and Sharlote Cathey, owners of Elves Farm in Denison.

Photos by: Emree Weaver, Kyle Woods and Steve Moakley