Whitko FFA members gather by the hot drink bar prior to the recent Christmas tree auction. Photos provided by Whitko FFA.

News Release

LARWILL — The Whitko FFA recently held its annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Auction at the Ag Barn, located on the Whitko Career Academy campus.

The facility was transformed into a winter wonderland with luminarias, poinsettias and a walkway of decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. Extensive dessert and hot drink bars were available for those attending to enjoy at the event or for goodies they could take home for later.

After a welcome by Justine Ocken, FFA chapter president, FFA members lined up to showcase the wreaths as the auction got underway. Many uniquely themed Christmas trees were also available on which to bid, with the “nature in winter” themed Schipper family tree being chosen for the People’s Choice Award. Prior to the sale of the livestock and meats judging teams’ tree, Kohen Schipper, livestock judging team member, thanked those in attendance for their support, sharing that the two teams have recently had the opportunity to travel to contests in Colorado, Missouri and Pennsylvania. The auction concluded by accepting bids on the poinsettia centerpieces displayed throughout the room.

Amy Brown, FFA chapter vice president, closed the evening by thanking the Whitko FFA alumni for helping to organize the event and Metzger Auction for providing auctioneer services. The FFA expressed gratitude to the business sponsors and the community for making its annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Tree Auction a festive evening. Proceeds from the auction will help support FFA members as they make plans to participate in upcoming contests.

Whitko FFA members assist in displaying the items on which to bid.

Supporters mingle with Whitko FFA members as they preview the trees and wreaths for auction.