MIFFLINBURG, Pa. — This week, Christmas came alive at the annual auction in Pennsylvania, drawing eager bidders looking for the perfect holiday décor.
At the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction, approximately 50,000 Christmas trees along with wreaths and crafts filled the venue as seasonal items were sold in bulk. Buyers hailing from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions braved the cold, ready to procure supplies for garden stores, corner lots, and families eager to decorate their homes.
Participants witnessed a lively auction atmosphere as items like ornaments, winterberry bunches, cotton branches, icicle lights, grave blankets, red bows, and tree stands were put on the block. The auction offered nearly everything one would need for the Christmas season except food and gifts.
According to Marsha Gray, spokesperson for the Real Christmas Tree Board based out of Howell, Michigan, purchase habits are changing. Although some families are choosing not to have trees, those who do are leaning more towards artificial options over natural ones.
Returning for a second consecutive year was Cory Stephens, whose store A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden in Maryland benefited greatly from previous purchases. He reported spending nearly $5,000 this year, citing the incredible quality available at the auction.
“If you know what you’re looking for, it’s very hard to beat the quality,” said Stephens, underlining the auction's significant role in his holiday preparations.
Nearby, Ryan Marshall of Ward’s Berry Farm in Massachusetts invested around $8,000 on decorations, including a large order of wreaths he anticipated would yield a substantial profit.
With the holiday season approaching, it appears many consumers still cherish the allure of real Christmas trees, often driven by the nostalgic scent they bring. Recent studies indicate a resurgence in the preference for these trees, symbolizing the true essence of Christmas in homes.
Despite some shifts towards artificial options, many at the auction, like auction manager Neil Courtney, remain optimistic about the future of live trees, buoyed by stable pricing and encouraging sales numbers.
A 2023 survey highlighted that over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold nationwide, with median prices around $75, indicating strong consumer demand for live holiday decorations.
