Ridgewood High Band Hosts Annual Plant Sale

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — After nearly 40 years of selling poinsettia and amaryllis plants in a community-wide, door-to-door sale, the Ridgewood High School Band will be changing the format of their annual fundraiser amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday afternoon, over 200 RHS band members and parents will canvas neighborhoods in Ridgewood, leaving order forms on door knobs and handles for the plants.

"We know that our students are our best salespeople, but out of concern for the safety and health of all involved, the decision has been made to run a 'no-contact' sale this year," said RHS Band co-director and marching band director John Luckenbill.

"COVID has made it necessary for us to make adjustments to almost everything we do, but we are committed to keeping our programs going in one way or another," added co-director Jeffrey Haas.

As in the past, the band will be selling both red and white poinsettias in two sizes. A small poinsettia in a 6-inch pot can be purchased for $10, while a large poinsettia in a 10-inch pot can be purchased for $25.

An apple blossom amaryllis plant can be purchased for $15. Orders can be placed online by visiting the band’s website at www.rhsbands.org, or orders can be placed by mail.

Profits from the sale are used in a "variety of ways," including offering support to the band and hiring guest artists and conductors.

During the time of largely remote learning, a news release said, proceeds will also be used to fund special technology for online musical learning.