Sources: Shelly Broccolo, 785-532-6221, avery@k-state.edu;
and Larry Biles, 785-532-3309, lbiles@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Emily Vietti, 785-532-2535, evietti@k-state.edu

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010

HOLIDAY SEASON STARTS EARLY WITH PINE TREE TRANSPLANTING ON CAMPUS

MANHATTAN -- Don't expect reindeer and a sleigh, but there will be a horse-drawn wagon.

At 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, a Southwestern white pine donated by the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association will be transplanted in front of the president's residence on the Kansas State University campus. The event is open to the public.

The tree was chosen from the Lynn and Karla Davignon Christmas tree farm, Prairie Dell Pines, located near Ellis.

"Having attended Kansas State in the '70s and having three children who have graduated from the university, we are big supporters of K-State," said Lynn Davignon. "We feel very fortunate to be a part of this project and are proud to represent the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association. Additionally, we have enjoyed and benefited from our working relationship with the Kansas Forest Service and thank them for bringing this event to fruition."

The tree will be driven from the forest service's state office on Claflin Avenue to the president's house on Lover's Lane in a wagon pulled by a team of horses. Then the tree will be planted next to the front door of the house.

K-State President Kirk Schulz will make remarks at the event, as will an official from the Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association and the Davignons.

The tree will be decorated for the holiday season, with a tree lighting scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 25.