MIFFLINBURG, Pa. (AP) — The spirit of Christmas filled the air this week at the annual auction in Pennsylvania's central region, where approximately 50,000 Christmas trees, along with wreaths and other seasonal decorations, were sold.
Held at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction, the event drew eager buyers from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, all looking to stock up on supplies for garden stores and retail outlets ahead of the festive rush. Fraser firs dominated as the tree of choice, but the auction also featured an assortment of crafts and holiday essentials like ornaments, icicle lights, and wreaths.
Despite record-cold temperatures, attendees bundled up to participate in the bustling auction, which seemed to have something to offer everyone planning to deck the halls for the holidays.
Marsha Gray from the Real Christmas Tree Board, a national association of tree farmers, observed a shift in consumer preferences over the years. Currently, fewer homes are buying live trees, with some opting for artificial alternatives. The fresh scent of a real Christmas tree remains the main reason people still choose farm-grown ones, Gray noted.
Cory Stephens, a returning buyer for A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden from Pasadena, Maryland, spent nearly $5,000 at the auction after last year's positive feedback from customers. Stephens expressed that the quality of items at the auction is unmatched.
Ryan Marshall from Massachusetts invested around $8,000 in decorations for resale, emphasizing the quality of wreaths and expecting significant returns. Auction manager Neil Courtney mentioned that tree prices have stabilized, creating optimism that trends toward artificial trees may shift back toward live ones.
The National Christmas Tree Association projects that over 21 million farm-grown trees were sold in 2023, with median prices staying around $75. Sources revealed that approximately 25% were bought from choose-and-cut farms, highlighting a trend in personal connections to tree selection.
As families embark on their holiday traditions, the auction provided a blend of nostalgia and excitement, reinforcing the joy associated with selecting a live Christmas tree.
