Published: November 24, 2009 10:23 am      

Ole McDaniel closing up shop after season

The tradition of going annually to McDaniel’s Christmas Tree Farm for selecting the perfect tree for the season is coming to an end for many Attala County families.

In operation for the past 16 years, Tommy and Jo Nell McDaniel of McAdams, are closing their Christmas tree farm at the end of this season.

They plan to plant pine and hardwood trees and put the farm to use in some manner, but they will not plant any more Christmas trees, they said this week.

On Saturday morning, a number of Kosciusko and area families turned out, to “tag” their last tree and will return next week to take it home.

The McDaniels said they planted their first trees in 1986, but they all died. They joined the Louisiana-Mississippi Christmas Tree Association, learned more about the planting and nurturing and planted again in 1987. Through the years they have offered Virginia Pines, Leyland Cypress, Blue Ice, Winter Red Cedar and Carolina Sapphire ensuring a wide variety of trees from which to choose.

The McDaniels said they are seeing couples come to select trees who came with their parents when they were youngsters. “Now they are returning with their children,” said Jo Nell.

As an example, Manza Lindsay Blaine of Kosciusko went to the farm Saturday morning with her children Campbell and Lindsay. She said she remembers going to the farm with her dad, Max Lindsay, the day before her wedding to select a tree. “I just couldn’t think about not getting my tree at the farm,” she said.

The McDaniels said they have enjoyed the years in the business. “Our customers have become like a family with us. When we see them between seasons we are often asked about the trees. Then when they come for their trees, it’s like renewing a friendship,” said Jo Nell.

They expressed appreciation for the faithfulness and support of their customers, and admit they will miss the annual event.