Golden's Bridge FD Christmas Tree Sale Starts On 'Green Friday'

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — It's no secret that some of the most majestic Christmas trees of the holiday season will come from the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department tree lot, but those picking the perfect Fraser-Balsam fir hybrid for their homes might not realize that they are also giving a gift to their neighbors.

From the Golden’s Bridge Fir Department (pun intended).

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department will put some green into Black Friday when it kicks off its annual Christmas Tree Sale on the grounds of the firehouse on Waccabuc Rd. (Rt. 138) in Golden’s Bridge. It’s the GBFD’s main fundraiser of the year, with proceeds from the Christmas tree sales helping to fund community programs and department needs, according to fire officials.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department Christmas Tree Shop opens for business on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29, with hundreds of Fraser-Balsam fir hybrid trees, ranging in height from 6 feet to 10-feet and above, awaiting a home. The sale will continue until the last tree is sold.

"If the past few years are an indication, it might be wise to pick up your Christmas tree early," says firefighter Walter Hughes, secretary of the GBFD and co-chair of the annual Christmas tree sale. "New customers and many of our repeat customers have been purchasing their holiday trees earlier and earlier. Although we are well-stocked for the season, you might want to drop by early to secure your perfect tree."

Hughes said he always tells customers they can store their trees outdoors on a deck or screened porch, or in their garage where temperatures are cooler, until they’re ready to bring them inside. Just be sure to make another fresh cut before placing your tree in the water well, he advised.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department Christmas Tree Shop is open Mondays and Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Golden’s Bridge firefighters, who voluntarily staff the shop, provide a fresh cut and trim bottom branches upon request, and they will wrap your tree in netting for easy transport, and load it into your vehicle or secure it to the roof.

Firefighter Edward Canora, who serves as president of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department and as a co-chair of the annual sale, said the GBFD sources their stock every year from farms that cut the trees as close to Thanksgiving as possible, making them among the freshest available on the market.

"The Fraser-Balsam fir hybrid is one of the most popular trees for indoor holiday décor because of its fragrant scent, and because it retains its beautiful blue-green needles when cut. It has lush, strong branches that hold up well to ornaments," said Canora, who added, "But the key to a longer-lasting holiday tree is to set it away from heating sources (especially keep it a safe distance from your fireplace!) and keep the water well filled to capacity every day."

Hughes said, "On the way home from your Black Friday shopping spree, put a little green in your day by stopping at the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse for your Christmas tree!"

This release was produced by the Golden's Bridge Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.