INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann today accepted the donation of a Christmas tree for her office from representatives of the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association. The Fraser Fir was provided by Hensler Nursery which has been in business for over sixty years in Hamlet, Indiana. Later in the day, members of three Indianapolis Girl Scout Troops decorated the tree with their handmade Christmas ornaments.

“What an exciting day for us to have visitors from both Hensler Farms and the Girl Scouts to prepare our office for the 2014 Holiday season,” noted Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “Our staff and the many visitors we welcome to our offices daily will be able to enjoy not only the sights and aroma of a fresh Indiana grown Fraser Fir, but the beautiful ornaments made by our own Central Indiana Girl Scouts as well.”

This year 15 trees were donated by ten Indiana Christmas Tree Farms and were placed throughout the State House including the Governor and Lt. Governor’s offices as well as other elected officials and the Capitol Rotunda. This marks the 55th year that the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association has brought live trees to the Indiana State House.

Girl Scouts from across central Indiana have created Indiana themed ornaments, such as peonies, tulip trees, cardinals and sugar cream pies to hang from the newly delivered tree’s branches. Girls from local Troops 4, 2811 and 00430 were accompanied by their leaders and family members to visit with Lt. Governor Ellspermann this afternoon and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies after placing their handmade ornaments on the Christmas tree.