No Supply Chain Issues At The Golden's Bridge FD Tree Lot

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — Supply chain issues or not, there is no way the firefighters at the Golden's Bridge Fire Department are going to let customers take a dried-out tree home this holiday season.

The annual Christmas tree sale at the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department kicks off on Nov. 26, the day after Thanksgiving. GBFD President Edward Canora says the outdoor shop set up in the parking lot adjacent to the firehouse on Rte 138 is well-stocked.

"We have a longstanding relationship with our tree farm, so supply chain and delivery aren’t issues for us," Canora, a GBFD firefighter, said. "But we expect people to begin their search for the perfect tree a little earlier than usual this season, so don’t wait too long to purchase yours. You can always store it on your deck until you’re ready to bring it inside."

The tree lot features popular Fraser fir trees, starting at 6 feet tall and up. The blue-green needles of Fraser firs hold up well to ornaments and are longer-lasting, provided they are kept away from heating sources, and that the water well is kept filled to capacity — concerns that are not only important esthetically, but also from a safety standpoint.

"The lush branches and fragrant scent provide a welcoming focal point for any room in the house," GBFD Firefighter Walter Hughes said. "Since our trees were cut and delivered a week before Thanksgiving, you will be purchasing the freshest tree available — short of driving to a farm and cutting it down yourself."

Hughes also serves as secretary of the GBFD and is chairman of the department’s Christmas tree sale committee.

In addition to Christmas trees, the GBFD tree lot has festive wreaths on offer as well as other fresh decorative greenery to help set the holiday mood. The wreaths are available in 12-inch and 24-inch sizes.

Proceeds from the holiday lot help to fund GBFD community programs and other fire department needs, Canora said.

Although labor, delivery and other costs have risen dramatically, the GBFD said it is making every effort to keep this season’s prices as close to 2020 prices as possible. All prices have been set with a less than one percent increase compared to last season.

The GBFD Christmas Tree Shop is open weekdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. The tree lot will be open for business throughout the season until the very last Fraser fir is sold.

GBFD firefighters, who are staffing the Christmas tree shop, will be happy to make a fresh cut and trim bottom branches. Upon request, the firefighters, who are volunteering their time, will wrap the trees in netting for easy transport and will also load trees into cars or secure the tree to the roof.

A few common sense COVID-19 protocols remain in place at this year's Christmas tree shop. When arriving at the firehouse campus, customers are asked to remain in their cars and wait for instructions from GBFD volunteers.

"Although the sale is outdoors, for the safety, health and well-being of shoppers and firefighters, this process is designed to maintain a maximum number of customers shopping at any given time," Canora said. "We thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and promise to keep things moving."

Another Golden’s Bridge Fire Department tradition makes a return this year when the annual free children’s holiday party is hosted at the firehouse on Dec. 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will include food, snacks, activities, crafts, balloon sculptors, raffle prizes and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus. Mr. Claus will arrive on a fire engine, pose for photos and distribute goodie bags to all of the good children.