Christmas tree shopping heating up in Bemidji area

BEMIDJI – As one holiday ends, the preparation for another has begun.
A week after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and perhaps before all the leftovers could be polished off, area residents have been out picking out their Christmas trees.

“This weekend now is usually the best weekend,” said John Hurlbert, who runs Christmas Forest on Adelia Drive east of town, on Saturday. He added that the third weekend after Thanksgiving is also fairly busy.
As customers walked up and down the rows of pines, spruces and firs Saturday, Hurlbert offered his knowledge of the various trees, noting which have stronger branches to hang ornaments and which ones keep their needles the longest.
Part of the appeal for customers there was being able to cut down their own tree. Dale and Natalie Rader said they like to see the tree as it would stand up at home before picking one out.
People also were picking up trees at the Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area Saturday afternoon. Some of the 100 pre-cut trees were reserved, but more than two dozen were still available for purchase as of Monday afternoon, said Andrea Ohnstad, executive director of the club
Each tree costs $25, Ohnstad said, and all of the proceeds go to funding programs at the club. The trees were donated by a local tree farmer who preferred to remain anonymous, Ohnstad said.
“He loves the club, he loves what we’re about,” Ohnstad said.
Ohnstad said people can call the club at 444-4171 or email her at aohnstad@paulbunyan.net to set up a time to pick up a tree.