MIFFLINBURG, UNION COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — For some people, it’s never too early to start getting into the holiday spirit, and what better way to celebrate than to attend what’s billed as the world’s largest Christmas tree auction?
In the early morning hours of Thursday, the three-acre selling floor of Buffalo Valley Produce Auction is the only light shining in the darkness.
What is lit up is tens of thousands of Christmas decorations up for sale, just a small portion of what’s billed as the world’s largest Christmas tree auction going on its 33rd year.
“1991 a few trees, $3,500 gross sale, and the rest is history,” said Neil Courtney, auctioneer, Buffalo Valley Produce Auction.
The sun rising showing off piles on piles of Christmas trees, more than 60,000 on the lot ready to be auctioned off to buyers all over the East Coast.
“A lot from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, North Carolina,” said Buffalo Valley Produce Auction organizer and manager Ben Courtney.
How much snow will Pennsylvania see Friday?
All the items were made and grown by more than 100 vendors and it took weeks to plan for the big event.
“A lot of hard work, a lot of just prep work, and a lot of extra help to get everything together, get it all in, get it all sorted, and then shipped out,” Buffalo Valley Produce Auction dock and loading manager Dorie Horst said.
You'll know the two-day event is underway when you hear Neil Courtney’s voice.
Hundreds of buyers listen intently, ready to bid on what they came for.
“We no longer grow Christmas trees so we come here, obviously, we can find what we need,” Schuylkill County resident Summer Stehr explained.
Many are also thriving off the sense of community.
“We all kind of have our hand in the industry whether we’re growing trees or we’re growing the berries or making the wreaths and when you come together and you collaborate together, it makes us all so successful,” Laura Wolfe from Virginia said.
“This is about hundreds of people making something really work. American dream alive and well!” said Neil.
The auction runs through Friday, November 22.
Neil says despite the potential of snow in the forecast they will be out auctioning regardless of the weather.
