The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) is a professional organization in the United States of over 5,100 "Christmas tree professionals" in various capacities. The group focuses its work into three areas: promotion and research, federal representation (which includes Congressional lobbying), and professional education.[1] The association was founded in 1955 and has more than 1,800 members.[2]
Blue Room Christmas tree
editThe official White House Christmas tree, or the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is donated each year by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA).[3] The NCTA has donated the tree since 1966;[4] it is chosen through a contest among members of the trade group.[4] Growers participate in state or regional competitions for a chance at competition at the National Convention.[5] The winner of the National Convention is declared the Grand Champion and the tree is then presented to the First Lady.[6]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ "About the NCTA Archived 2008-05-14 at the Wayback Machine", National Christmas Tree Association, official site, accessed April 15, 2008.
- ^ Hsieh-Yee, Ingrid "Christmas tree resources," The Catholic University of America, School of Library and Information Science, accessed April 15, 2008.
- ^ World Book Inc. Christmas in Washington D.C. (Google Books), World Book .com, 1998, pp. 23-24 (ISBN 0716608510).
- ^ a b "It's a Fraser fir for White House Christmas tree", USA Today, November 30, 2008, accessed March 30, 2009.
- ^ "White House Christmas Tree Facts", Sun-Journal (Lewiston, Maine), December 14, 2006, accessed March 30, 2009.
- ^ "History of Christmas Trees Archived 2006-12-23 at the Wayback Machine", National Christmas Tree Association, accessed March 30, 2009.
External links
edit- National Christmas Tree Association, official site