By Beth David, Editor
The annual Christmas tree sale at Douglass Tree Farm in Fairhaven hit another record this weekend. According to owner Dick Douglass, the sales on Saturday alone totaled $11,719.
“We never had a Saturday that good,” said Mr. Douglass.
The weekend’s total was $17,562.
Although many people give extra, making it hard to count, Mr. Douglass said he could safely say that they sold about 260 trees. Trees are $40 each, but many people give $50 or more.
“That’s a tree every couple of minutes,” he said.
L-R: Dan DeNardis, Ann DeNardis, Julia (in back), Stefanie and the family dogs Hercules and Bella, continue the family tradition of cutting down their tree at the Douglass Tree Farm on Sunday, 12/10. Photo by Beth David.
And that was despite the wet weather, which dumped a couple of inches of very wet snow that turned to rain in the neighborhood.
This year, a couple of the TV stations picked up the story, giving the little tree sale a big boost. All proceeds from the sale go to support research on ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The farm has a large group of volunteers who help people cut down their trees and put them on their vehicles. He has a host of regulars who come every year, including neighbors and students. On Saturday the high school basketball team helped out, on Sunday it was students from the Northeast Maritime Institute.
“You can’t get it done without volunteers,” said Pam Douglass.
For many, the annual trek to the farm to pick and cut town their own tree is a family tradition. Last year, the sale was called off because of the drought, so many people were especially grateful to have their family tradition back.
“It’s a lot of fun, it’s a great experience,” said Jill Muldoon, who was there with her family on Sunday, despite the temperature in the 20’s and a stiff wind. “We missed it last year.”
“It’s a family tradition,” said Anne Ponichtera-DeNardis, who was hauling out a pretty big tree with her husband Dan, while daughter Julia pulled up the rear and daughter Stefanie kept the family dogs occupied. “It’s a great challenge, it’s a good time.”
Gail Costello and Rodney Immerman have only been in Fairhaven for a few years, and wen to the farm on Sunday for the first time.
“We’re still experiencing,” said Ms. Costello. •••
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