Chalker Creek Farm owners Joe and Jessica Licata found out a month-and-a-half ago that their farm had been chosen for the Southern Tier Welcome Center's Christmas tree.

The 6-foot tall Fraser Fir was cut down earlier on Monday, November 20th. The tree will be on display at the gateway of the Welcome Center for thousands of visitors to see. 

"It really is quite exciting to have our tree on display. We spend a lot of time maintaining and shaping these trees. So believe it or not, you get to know what each tree looks like," Joe Licata said.

The farm grows between 800-1500 Christmas trees each holiday season and sells around 400.

Each year, a new tree from a different region of New York is picked to represent the Southern Tier Welcome Center. Commissioner of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball says it shows that agriculture is strong in the Southern Tier. 

"New York agriculture is alive and well in the Southern Tier," Ball said. "It also means a lot to a family farm who makes a living raising trees here."

The Licata couple hopes that this achievement can help put their farm on the map even more and for the tree to serve as a Christmas tree for everyone. 

"Kind of on the map with our Christmas tree farm and just show off all the hard work with a beautifully produced tree that'll be able for many people to come visit because not everyone has a Christmas tree," Jessica Licata said. 

The tree is set to be put up as soon as possible.