Holiday cheer goes under the hammer in Pennsylvania

In the heart of Pennsylvania, a unique holiday spectacle unfolded. For two days, the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction transformed into a winter wonderland of sorts. The event showcased around 50, 000 Christmas trees, along with a vast array of wreaths, crafts, and other festive items. Buyers from various regions flocked to the event, eager to stock up for the upcoming holiday season. The auction featured a wide range of items. From boxes of ornaments to bunches of winterberry, cotton branches, icicle lights, grave blankets, red bows, and tree stands, it was a one-stop shop for holiday decor. The only things missing were the food and presents. The event attracted a diverse group of buyers. Cory Stephens, a store owner from Pasadena, Maryland, was one of them. He spent nearly $5, 000 on holiday decor, praising the quality and variety of the items. Similarly, Ryan Marshall from Sharon, Massachusetts, invested about $8, 000 in various decorations, expecting to double his money. The holiday season brings a lot of changes in people's buying habits. More and more people are choosing artificial trees over natural ones. However, those who prefer real trees often do so for the fresh scent and the experience of having a farm-grown tree. The Real Christmas Tree Board found that 84% of growers did not expect wholesale prices to increase this season. Despite the trend towards artificial trees, there is hope for the farm-grown tree industry. Neil Courtney, the auction manager, believes that the trend can be reversed. He is optimistic about the future of the industry, stating that the live tree puts the real Christmas in your house. A survey by the National Christmas Tree Association found that over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023. The median price was $75. These trees were purchased from various sources, including choose-and-cut farms, chain stores, nurseries, retail lots, nonprofit sales, and online platforms.