MIFFLINBURG, Pa. (AP) — Christmas came alive this week in Pennsylvania as the annual auction at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction drew enthusiastic bidders, eager to secure holiday essentials.
With around 50,000 Christmas trees, wreaths, crafts, and an assortment of festive decorations available, the two-day event attracted buyers from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. These bidders aimed to stock their garden stores and retail locations with high-quality products in anticipation of the busy holiday shopping season.
Despite the cold temperatures, eager buyers bundled up as they listened to the spirited auctioneers promoting a plethora of seasonal goods, including ornaments, winterberry bundles, icicle lights, and tree stands that catered to every festive need.
Traditionally, the choice of a Christmas tree has transformed noticeably over the years. According to Marsha Gray from the Real Christmas Tree Board, there has been a growing trend of households opting for artificial trees, which can impact the sales of natural trees. She highlighted, however, that the fresh scent of real Christmas trees remains a strong draw for families.
Returning for a second year, buyers like Cory Stephens found great value in the auction. After spending nearly $5,000 on holiday decor for his store in Maryland, he noted, The quality’s incredible and it’s hard to beat when you know what you’re looking for.”
Other participants, like Ryan Marshall, invested around $8,000 in decorations with the expectation of significant returns, particularly on items like wreaths priced at $29 each.
Research from the Real Christmas Tree Board reveals that the primary reason consumers choose natural over artificial trees is the desire for the real, fresh scent of pine. Additionally, families with children are more likely to opt for farm-grown trees.
Despite industry shifts towards artificial options, auction manager Neil Courtney believes in a resurgence of natural trees, stating, Long story short — we’ll be back on top of the game shortly. The live tree puts the real Christmas in your house.”
Forecasting for the upcoming season, a survey by the National Christmas Tree Association recorded over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees sold in 2023, with a median retail price of $75. A quarter of these purchases occurred at “choose-and-cut” farms, highlighting the enduring appeal of personal selection for holiday preparations.
