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	Franklin County, Kansas, USA

2009-07-03

2009-07-01

2009-06-30

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Photo by Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald

Robin Dunn, owner of Dunn’s Landing west of Wellsville, and her team of Percheron horses will deliver Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ Christmas tree Friday to Cedar Crest Mansion in Topeka. This will be Dunn’s third year delivering the tree.

Local farmer delivering governor’s Christmas tree

By JENALEA MYERS, Herald Staff Writer

WELLSVILLE — It’s not every day you get to meet the governor.

That’s what Robin Dunn says of the trip she’ll make Friday to Cedar Crest Mansion in Topeka to deliver a Christmas tree to Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

“She’ll invite us in, and we’ll set up the tree,” the owner of Dunn’s Landing, 4553 Ohio Road, Wellsville, said. “You don’t get to shake hands and take pictures with the governor every day.”

The Kansas Christmas Tree Growers Association each year selects a farm to provide the governor’s tree. This year’s tree will be provided by Bowen’s Christmas Tree Farm in Pittsburg, and it will be Dunn’s responsibility to meet the tree in Topeka and take it by horse-drawn wagon to the governor’s mansion.

“The governor could get a fancy tree from anywhere, but she chooses to keep it local,” Dunn said.

In the past, local businesses like Memory Lane Christmas Tree Farm in Rantoul have provided the governor’s tree.

Dunn is scheduled to deliver the tree at 11:30 a.m. Friday, but before then she has plenty of work to do.

“I have to get the security clearance first of all,” she said, laughing. “I have to clean the wagon, clean the harnesses, clean the horses, decorate the wagon.”

She said she’s looking forward to her trip to meet Sebelius.

“I consider it a privilege,” she said. “Not just anybody gets to deliver the governor’s Christmas tree.”

Herald staff writer Jenalea Myers can be e-mailed at jmyers@ottawaherald.com.

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4 comment(s)

christmas tree : Thursday, November 20, 2008 1:04 PM

You briefly mentioned Memory Lane tree farm.....is this not the tree farm that came up with the idea of having Dunn's Landing deliver the tree by carriage? Maybe the article should detail how this became such an honor for Dunn's Landing

Oh Goodness : Thursday, November 20, 2008 8:29 PM

I sense some sort of sarcasm or something in the previous comment. As I read some of the comments posted from time to time, I see that often here. What is wrong with those who reply online? It's not just online either, it's in real life as well. Are people really that unhappy? This makes it real difficult for us to raise our children to be happy, healthy and positive citizens. To ensure they keep a realistic outlook on life. We aren't trying to shelter them, they know life can be rough. But come on folks, lighten up. If you are that miserable that you can't take your negative comment and make it less argumentative, don't comment at all.

enuffnegative

Congrats! : Friday, November 21, 2008 8:43 AM

Congratulation! What an honor. If anyone deserves to deliver the tree, it's Dunn's Landing. Anyone who knows of Robin knows she is so involved and does so much for the community, farmers and just about anything or anyone. Thank you for everything you do, Robin & Happy Holidays!!

christmas tree : Friday, November 21, 2008 11:09 PM

I do believe it was the Peckham family (Memory Lane)that first had Dunn's Landing deliver the tree. Our community is lucky to have both the Peckham's and Dunn's Landing. And what an honor for Dunn's Landing to be able to keep the tradition up.

Local farmer delivering governor’s Christmas tree

By JENALEA MYERS, Herald Staff Writer

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
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