Monday, December 6, 2010

Frakes family gets 500th tree

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the decorated Christmas tree, Kaleidoscope Farms recognized the Frakes Family of Findlay who bought the 500th Christmas tree of the sales season.
The Frakes were given a commemorative print and greeting cards and they selected a local family, business or charity to receive a free Christmas tree and stand.
“We wanted to do something to recognize 500 years of Christmas trees and donating a tree to someone in need really goes with the spirit of the season,” said Dave Reese, owner of Kaleidoscope Farms.
Little is known about the first decorated Christmas tree in Riga, Latvia in 1510, other than the tree was placed in the public marketplace and decorated by members of a merchants guild to honor the birth of Christ. A ceremony was held and the tree was burnt at its conclusion.
A plaque now marks the spot where the first Christmas tree stood.
This year, Christmas tree growers from around the world are commemorating the 500 years of the beloved holiday tradition.
“Christmas tree growers from Ohio are proud to be a small part of this long and cherished Christmas tradition,” Reese said. “Many of the Christmas tree farms in the state will being doing special activities and promotions to commemorate this occasion. It is not every year you get to be a part of a 500-year anniversary.”