Palos Lions Set To Open Christmas Tree Lot For 75th Year

PALOS, IL — The most wonderful time of the year begins from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 23, when the Palos Lions Club sets up its tree lot for the Christmas season. Come watch the trees being delivered and the tree lot magically come together.

Affordable and high quality trees will be on sale Nov. 23 through Dec. 15 or until the trees run out at the Old National Bank parking lot at 127th Street and Harlem Avenue, Palos Heights. Lot hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The trees were cut a few weeks ago by a local farmer outside of Green Bay, Wis. The real thrill is watching 600 trees moving off a huge flatbed truck in an almost choreographed movement from the top to the ground, trimmed and set up for sale.

“We have some interesting, beautiful trees including balsams , Canaan, and Fraser,” Lion Club Tree Chair Dennis Hyker said. “New this year are premium Douglas firs brought in from the West Coast, but most of our trees are from northern Wisconsin.”

The Palos Lions tree lot is a holiday tradition for many families in the south suburbs. Trees go fast and the lot has been known to sell out in two weeks. Even though Christmas is still a month away, Hyker says leave the trees outside in a pail of water, and give them a fresh cut before bridging them inside to decorate.

“Our tree last year lasted until mid-January,” Hyker said.

Trees start at $45 for 5 to 6-foot tall balsam, Fraser and Canaan firs. For the first time in two years, the Lions have some 10- to 12-footers that are priced at $220 to $240.

“If you have a great room, we have a tree for you,” Hyker said.

In addition to trees, the Palos Lions are selling fresh wreaths, and are one of the few venues around the south suburbs that are carrying 36-inch wreaths. All of the club’s greenery sells out in a few weeks, and is competitively priced.

“These aren’t factory farm grown trees like you find at a big box store,” said Hyker. “Our Trees and wreaths are top end and very thick.”

A 24-inch wreath is selling for $35, and $70 for a 36-inch wreath.

The Palos Lions have been supporting the community for 75 years. The annual Christmas tree sale is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The lot is operated entirely by volunteers and all proceeds are donated to local charities and individuals facing financial hardship. The Lions also contribute to their regular charities supporting the blind and visually impaired, including:

• The Center of Palos Park
• The Crisis Center
• Special Olympics Illinois
• Christmas Food Gift Cards
• Together We Cope Food Pantry
• Heartland Service Dogs
• Local High School Scholarships
• Camp Lions
• The Chicago Light House for the Blind

For more information, email Dennis Hyker at dhyker57@gmail.com.