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Christmas tree memories at EllingsonísBy Barbara Brown A trip to Ellingsonís Arbor Acres has been part of local family traditions for the past 36 years. After this year, those families who have spent a few minutes or a few hours searching for the perfect tree on Dave Ellingsonís land will have to find a new place to build on their family tradition. Bob Monk and his family have been going to Ellingsonís for the past several years on their searches for the not-so-perfect tree. Joining him Sunday were his children, 8-year-old Chelsea and 4-year-old Garrett. Chelsea and Garrett know when they go to Ellingsonís they are not looking for the perfectly shaped, magnificent tree. ìWe need a Charlie Brown tree,î Chelsea said. ìWeíre looking for the tree no one else would love,î Monk added. As the three tracked down the scrawny tree others may have passed over ñ the one that will have the honor of displaying the familyís homemade ornaments and strings of popcorn ñ Monk reminisced about taking the children out to find their trees at Ellingsonís. ìIt really is an emotional thing,î Monk said of Ellingsonís decision to stop the retail side of the business. ìAt least we know that we have been a part of it for a little while.î The familyís small house would accommodate only a tree less than 8 feet tall and only about 5 feet wide. The couple has been married three years and this year was Lukeís second year out looking for the family tree. The couple shared their secret for keeping track of several appealing trees at one time. Nicole Widenstrom said if there is snow on the ground, making a mark in the snow with a boot is the best way to keep tabs on the trees the family likes. After marking one of the first trees the couple spotted, they ventured off into the rows of plush evergreens and spotted another. A brief debate on which tree was more suitable for the house followed and the couple settled on the second tree they had found. ìI think this is going to work out fine,î Nicole Widenstrom said. ìItís a nice tree.î During the past summer, Dave Ellingson and his wife Pat decided that this would be the last year the farm would sell trees retail. Ellingson said the tree farm has become so labor intensive that the pair decided it was time to scale back a little. ìIt has gotten to be so laborious,î Ellingson said. ìThis last summer was so hot and humid and it is a lot of work.î Ellingson said the coupleís decision to lighten their work load somewhat does not mean they are throwing in the towel altogether. Although Ellingsonís wonít be open for Christmas tree selling next year, Dave Ellingson said he plans to sell trees for landscaping and wholesale needs. Ellingson said he wants to focus attention on traveling and experimenting with some Department of Natural Resources approved reforestation techniques on his land. He said after consulting with the DNR, the agency developed a three- to four-inch thick book about his 40 acres and the types of forest management plans that would be appropriate. Ellingson said he will leave the Christmas tree business with bittersweet feelings. ìSome of my best memories are really from talking with the repeat customers,î Ellingson said. ìSeeing them year after year and watching their kids grow has been great.î The Ellingsonsí gift shop will remain open May through December with new hours to be announced next year. ©ECM Post Review |