MIFFLINBURG, Pa. (RTWNews) — The spirit of Christmas was vibrant and alive this week at the annual auction in Pennsylvania's farm country, where a wealth of greenery and festive decorations went under the hammer, attracting eager bidders.
About 50,000 Christmas trees, wreaths, crafts, and other holiday items were bought and sold over a two-day event held at the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction in Mifflinburg. Buyers hailing from various corners of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions participated actively, looking to stock their retail outlets for the festive season.
Despite chilly temperatures, auction attendees bundled up to partake in selecting everything from winterberry bunches to ornaments and tree stands — basically every item needed for Christmas decorations, except for food and gifts.
Marsha Gray, representing the Real Christmas Tree Board based in Howell, Michigan, noted that consumer habits regarding Christmas tree purchases have evolved considerably in recent years. She highlighted that homes are less likely to have a natural tree and those that do often lean towards artificial options instead.
Cory Stephens, a returning bidder from A.A. Co. Farm, Lawn & Garden in Pasadena, Maryland, shared his enthusiasm after spending nearly $5,000 at the auction, attributing high quality to his purchases from previous years. It's incredible, it’s changed our whole world. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s very hard to beat the quality, he remarked.
Another attendee, Ryan Marshall, invested about $8,000 on decorations for resale, with the understanding of doubling his investments. Gray reiterated that the scent of real trees remains a significant factor driving purchases, especially in homes with children.
According to Gray’s insights from ongoing surveys, 84% of tree growers expected wholesale prices to remain stable this season, a sign of stabilization in farm-grown Christmas tree prices. Neil Courtney, the auction manager, expressed optimism that despite the recent uptick in artificial tree trends, the appeal for real trees would see a resurgence.
The National Christmas Tree Association noted that over 21 million farm-grown Christmas trees were sold in 2023, with a median price of $75, showcasing a healthy market for traditional holiday greenery.
