KO Marching Band Christmas Tree Sale Underway

The tennis courts at have once again been transformed into a forest of Christmas trees and holiday wreaths, courtesy of the .

Despite the temperature drop on Wednesday night, a steady stream of customers visited the tree sale.

“This is an old tradition,” said Sean Henke, the chairperson for the tree sale. “It’s been going on for a real long time. We’re doing really well this year.”

The sale started Nov. 28 and will continue until all 1,000 trees are sold. Sean Henke, chairperson for the tree sale, said about 100 trees were sold and they plan to sell the rest by mid-December.

Prices range from $25 to $60 for a tree. Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Balsams and Frasier Firs are available.

Henke said it’s good to see customers return year after year.

“Everyone who comes here is supporting the band,” he said. “We’ve had people here from Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park. Someone earlier came from Cranberry. It’s definitely a community event.”

Melissa McMaster and her daughter, Bree Williams, of Mt. Lebanon, were shopping for a tree Wednesday evening. McMaster said she’s been buying Christmas trees from the KO marching band for about 10 years.

“We just come to support the band,” McMaster said. “When Bree was little it took us an hour to pick out the tree. Now that she’s older we’re feeling the cold a little more, so we’ve got one already.”

Band members Alicia Palashoff and Audrey Miller said the cold didn’t bother them— as long as they sold trees.

“It’s not so bad as long as you keep moving,” Miller said.

The sale raises funds for the marching band’s spring trip to a band competition in Norfolk, Va.