WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — A florist from a small town in Illinois is spending part of her holiday season in our nation's capitol. Dawn Ahner is one of hundreds selected to help decorate the White House.
"I thought it could be a good bucket list." Ahner said, adding it is her fifth time applying for the opportunity. "I would have I would have kept applying until I finally would have gotten it"
Holiday decorating inside the White House dates back to the 1800s. The first Christmas tree was installed in the White House when Benjamin Harrison was president. And every year since the 1950s, the First Lady has taken on the task of bringing in volunteers to help with the decorations.
"To decorate something as iconic as the White House, I just think about all the leaders and the dignitaries and the history alone. It's very special to me." Ahner said.
The coveted chance of helping make the President's home sparkle for the holiday just adds to the legacy Dawn Ahner's family has left on their small town. Ahner Florists & Greenhouses has been a staple in New Baden for decades.
"We are the fifth generation [of florists], and my husband and I are current owners." Ahners says, adding the first florist in their family got his start in 1850. "We have a younger son that will be coming and joining us, and he'll be the sixth generation here in a few years. It makes us very proud."
The shop has been located in New Baden since 1940, always growing but never straying from where the Ahners of the past began planting.
"We feel it's so important to have our roots here and to be part of our community." Ahner said, adding "We have small town atmosphere, but we have a lot to offer here."
Ahner's is a full service florist and recently opened its 14,000 square foot greenhouse, adding to the already bustling business. In addition to the greenhouses, they have a shop with gourmet snacks and decorative items. The business also hosts events and classes.
"We're kind of a destination." Ahner says.
While Ahner is in Washington D.C. the business is continuing to keep busy. Ahner's has plenty of things to see and do for the holidays.
"We're going to be hosting Christmas concerts this year in the greenhouses." Ahner says, adding "[The concert] theme is like a candlelight concert and it's called Melodies at Twilight."
Ahner Florists & Greenhouses is located at 415 West Hanover, New Baden, Illinois 62265.
You can find out more about the shop and upcoming events here.