MIFFLINBURG, Pa. — This week, the holiday spirit transformed a farm auction in Pennsylvania into a bustling marketplace for Christmas cheer. The Buffalo Valley Produce Auction saw around 50,000 Christmas trees and countless wreaths and crafts exchanged in just two days.
Buyers from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic flocked to snag the best deals for garden centers and retail shops in preparation for the holiday rush. The most popular tree? The Fraser fir. With chilly air swirling around, bidders eagerly listened to auctioneers promoting a variety of festive items—like ornaments, cotton branches, and red bows.
Interestingly, Christmas tree shopping in America has changed over the years. Nowadays, fewer homes have real trees, and many prefer artificial ones instead. Marsha Gray, from the Real Christmas Tree Board, says this trend is notable, especially as families seek the comforting scent of a genuine tree.
Cory Stephens, a returning buyer, praised the auction quality. He spent nearly $5,000 on decorations for his Maryland store, appreciating the unique finds available. “If you know what you’re looking for, it’s very hard to beat the quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ryan Marshall invested about $8,000 in ornaments to resell, betting on a solid profit. “The quality’s good, and it’s a place where you can pick it yourself,” he mentioned.
Gray’s research indicates that scent often drives people to choose real trees. Households with children are also more likely to opt for a fresh farm-grown tree. A recent survey showed that 84% of Christmas tree growers did not anticipate a spike in wholesale prices this season, hinting at more stability in the market.
Buffalo Valley auction manager Neil Courtney shared an optimistic outlook: “The live tree puts the real Christmas in your house.” He believes the trend for artificial trees might be reversing.
According to the National Christmas Tree Association, over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023, with a median price of $75. Notably, about a quarter were bought from “choose-and-cut” farms, while many others came from chain stores, nurseries, and online.
As the holiday season approaches, this auction reflects not just the transactions but also the deeper connection to tradition and community that defines Christmas for many. It’s a reminder of the joy and spirit that come with selecting the perfect tree for the family.
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Christmas, Pennsylvania, Retail and wholesale, Trees, General news, PA State Wire, Local News for Apple, Holidays, Business, Marsha Gray, Entertainment, Cory Stephens, Neil Courtney, U.S. news, Lifestyle, Ryan Marshall
