MIFFLINBURG, Pa. (AP) — Christmas went on the auction block this week in Pennsylvania farm country, and there was no shortage of bidders.
About 50,000 Christmas trees and enough wreaths, crafts, and other seasonal items to fill an airplane hangar were bought and sold by lots at the annual two-day event at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction in Mifflinburg.
Buyers from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic were on hand to supply garden stores, corner lots, and other retailers preparing for the coming rush of customers eager to bring home a Christmas tree or decorate with holiday greenery.
Bundled-up buyers braved chilly temperatures to hear auctioneers hawking boxes of ornaments, winterberry bunches, cotton branches, icicle lights, grave blankets, red bows, and tree stands — almost everything needed for a festive season except food and gifts.
According to Marsha Gray from the Real Christmas Tree Board, consumer habits surrounding Christmas tree purchases have evolved. Fewer households are opting for natural trees, and more are choosing artificial ones. However, the appeal of real trees remains due to their fresh scent, particularly among families with children.
Reflecting on his experiences, Cory Stephens returned to the auction after a successful year prior, spending nearly $5,000 on decorations for his store in Maryland. “If you know what you’re looking for, it’s tough to beat the quality,” he remarked.
Ryan Marshall, another attendee, invested about $8,000 in decorations for resale. As he measured potential profit margins, he noted the quality of goods available at the auction.
Despite the popularity of artificial trees, hope remains for a revival of farm-grown tree sales. Auction manager Neil Courtney stated that prices appear to have stabilized, suggesting a potential upward trend for real Christmas trees, which he believes adds genuine holiday spirit to homes.
Recent surveys show that over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023, with a median price of $75. A significant portion were purchased from “choose-and-cut” farms, while others came from nurseries and retail lots.
