Trousdale Christmas tree arrives in style
Photo: Marie Corhern • The Hartsville VidetteNatalie and Paul Knudsen drive their team down Highway 25 Tuesday afternon bringing Trousdale's Christmas Tree to it's resting spot between McDonald's and Trousdale Bank & Trust.
The White House has nothing on Trousdale's Christmas tree as the locally grown tree was brought through the streets of Hartsville by black Persian horses Tuesday.
The horses wearing their jingle bells, jingle-jangled all the way down Highway 25 to the lot between McDonalds and Trousdale Bank & Trust with the help of their drivers Paul and Natalie Knudsen, to personally deliver Trousdale's third annual Christmas tree.
"We are sort-of modeling it after the delivery of the White House tree," Natalie said. "We thought it would be a fun thing to do in the community. Start a new tradition, maybe."
The Knudsens got the idea from Draft Horse Journal, and presented the idea of Trousdale County Mayor Jake West.
"There is always an article about the teamsters and horses that bring the tree in, and there is a lot of pictures," added Natalie. "When we were thinking about things to do for town, we thought, 'What about a Christmas tree?' Well lord behold they did, and then we decided to ask Jake [West] if he would like to have the horses bring it like how the tree at the White House arrives…start a new tradition.
"Make it kind of a big deal to bring the tree to town."
The Evergreen Cedar stands several feet tall, and was chosen by West.
"The tree is very carefully chosen by myself, as I walk around and around the base looking for any imperfections," West said. "You must back away and study from all angles the fullness and straightness of the tree.
"The height of the tree is really not an issue. The bigger the better but each tree has its own character. Some times bigger is not always better when choosing a tree."
West added that this tree wasn't the "mayor's tree or Jakie West and family tree" but this was all of Trousdale County's tree.
"The thought came about around the supper table one night to do a Christmas Tree for the county. As how many things get started, we think of these ideas and then we put our hearts into it with the greatest intentions and not to be glorified ourselves," said West.
"The happiness and joy this brings to others and the wonderful smiles it puts on the faces is worth more than all the money, power, praise and glory anyone could receive."
The tree lighting ceremony will be Friday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. The event will include display lighted candles, singing of carols and Bill and Janice Scruggs handing out hot chocolate according to West.
"Thank you to all who enjoy the tree and include it in your holiday joy," West said. "May we all put aside our differences and take the time to share the love that life brings us in being healthy and able this year. I wish all a very Merry Christmas and God bless you all this season."
Managing Editor Marie Corhern can be reached at 615-779-3133 or by email at thevidette@bellsouth.net