The smell of fresh pine filled the air as customers gathered at Cornerstone Community Church in Virgil this weekend to pick out their perfect Christmas tree.
For Stephanie Domanico, a local resident, the tradition of buying her tree here dates back to childhood.
“We pass by the sale every year. It’s nice to buy locally,” said Domanico. “I’ve been coming here all my life, and now I bring my family here, too.”
This year’s sale, organized by the Niagara Lions Club, kicked off when their trees were delivered on Friday, Nov. 15. It will run until all the trees are sold.
Taking place in the church’s parking lot, the sale is a staple of the holiday season, with all proceeds going back into the community.
Tree prices range anywhere from less than a hundred to a couple hundred dollars.
As she searched for the perfect tree, Domanico said she’s looking for an evergreen that, to her, embodies the feel of Christmas.
“I want something with good colour, height, and Christmas spirit,” she said. “This year, we’re decorating with traditional decorations passed down from my wife’s oma. We’re doing a traditional, warm, kind of ‘Home Alone’ vibe.”
Steve MacSween, a member of the club for 10 years, highlighted the quality of the trees as the reason why customers return year after year.
“If I was buying a Christmas tree, I would come here, because there are no bad trees,” he said.
With plenty of trees to choose from, he and fellow member Victoria Skubel advised customers to come by get their trees before they sell out — because they do so swiftly.
A special tree from the sale always ends up in Skubel’s home.
“I’ve brought my son since he was born — he’s going to be 19 this year. It’s the family event that starts our Christmas,” said Skubel, who has volunteered with the club for 25 years.
Her tip: Remember to measure the area the tree is set to be in before coming to shop for your tree.
“People often forget to measure, and then they have to come back for a different size,” she said.
The Niagara Lions Club’s Christmas tree sale is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The sale will continue at Cornerstone Community Church until all trees are sold.
