AUGUSTA – This year’s Christmas trees and wreaths arrived at the governor’s residence at the Blaine House on Monday.

The trees were delivered by the Maine Christmas Tree Association, which represents more than 100 family farms that produce trees and wreaths.   

The Christmas tree industry creates about $18 million a year in direct economic impact and supports nearly 800 jobs, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Gov. Janet Mills had declared Nov. 29 Maine Grown Christmas Tree Day.

On Monday, Mills spoke about times that she went looking for trees with her family at a young age.

“Since I was a very small child my family always went out and got their own Christmas tree,” said Mills. “We picked a tree out of the fields, the neighbor’s fields, and some farmers down the road, and it was always a part of the excitement getting ready for the holidays to go find the right tree.”

The farms that provided the trees were chosen by attendees of the Fryeburg Fair in a contest.

Finest Kind Tree Farm, based in Dover-Foxcroft, took first place in the trees category. In the wreaths category, Watson Christmas Tree Farm Stand in Standish won first place.