National Christmas Tree Association-
1994 Marketing Conference Farm Tour
On the last day of January 1994, the National Christmas Tree Association Marketing Conference
participants toured Shady Pond Tree Farm. They were greeted by Louisiana State
Representative, District 90, M.P. "Pete" Schneider, III and Clarke J. Gernon, Sr. of Shady Pond
Tree Farm. The arrangements for the event were provided for by Shady Pond with assistance
from members of the Louisiana-Mississippi Christmas Tree Association.
The technical aspects of the tour focused on the advertising and promotion methods used by the
Farm and on the exotic Christmas trees grown there.
A Louisiana luncheon was prepared by Chef John Folse. It included crawfish etouffee, chicken
and sausage jambalaya, sausage stuffed pork loin, and praline cheese cake with fig glaze. The
meal was served on tables decorated with fresh camellia blossoms and Mardi Gras throws.
After the meal, the guests were treated to walking tours. One group toured the grounds that are
home to century old live oaks, and antique camellias and azaleas. The other toured the fields of
exotic trees that call this Louisiana plantation their temporary home.