[Page H5291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING WEST JEFFERSON'S 33RD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN JULY FESTIVAL

  (Ms. FOXX of North Carolina asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 
city of West Jefferson in North Carolina's Fifth District on yet 
another successful Christmas in July Festival. For the last 33 years, 
the festival has taken place on the first weekend of July to celebrate 
Ashe County's vibrant and nationally renowned Christmas tree industry.
  The dedicated volunteers of the festival committee and board of 
directors bring together this wonderfully patriotic community around 
America's independence and the best Christmas trees in the country. As 
a former Christmas tree grower myself, I can attest to the importance 
of recognizing this often overlooked, yet highly significant, farming 
industry, not just during the Christmas season, but all year round.
  It is not only an honor to represent these patriots and tree growers, 
it is an honor for me to share this tradition with them every year.

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