Meert Tree Farm Provides Winning Wreath

(Festus, MO) The winners of the Missouri Christmas Tree Association's annual wreath and tree contests are being announced and Meert Tree Farm in Festus is the winner in the wreath category. The Meert family established Meert Tree Farm in 1963, and the farm is now operated by their daughter, Jennifer Sommerkamp, with the help of their other children and grandchildren. Meert Tree Farm offers cut your own Christmas trees, a sunflower maze, and a pick your own pumpkin patch throughout the seasons. During the holiday season, the farm has a Christmas shop and children's train rides. Pea Ridge Forest in Hermann won the Christmas tree contest, and has provided an 8 foot tree to the Missouri State Capitol. Located on the second floor outside Governor Parson's office, the Canaan fir tree has been growing at Pea Ridge Forest for eight years. LeRoy and Mary Rood established Pea Ridge Forest in 1972. Pea Ridge Forest offers "choose and cut" Christmas trees in addition to being a wholesale nursery. Governor Mike Parson held a special ceremony honoring the winners and proclaiming December as Christmas Tree Month in Missouri Wednesday in Jefferson City.