West Dundee’s Grafelman Park transformed from play area to Christmas tree lot Saturday as the Dundee Township Lions Club set up for the club’s annual Christmas tree sale.
In what as become an annual tradition, club members, community members and volunteers from the village of West Dundee’s police, public works and fire departments joined forces to unload hundreds ready for the holiday season.
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“We will have a large variety and a good selection,” said John Cichowski, a Lions Club director.
The club hosts the Christmas tree sale each year as a way to raise funds, which are spent on club-sponsored causes and groups.
Last year, the $6,800 from tree sales supported Cub Scout Pack 36, the Boys and Girls Club and the FISH food pantry. It also provided money for Shop with a Cop, which last year helped 50 families with a total of 123 children, and to Community Unit School District 300 to provide eyewear for children in need.
“All the money we raise goes back into the community,” said Jim Schuldt, the club’s first vice president and co-chairman of the club’s Christmas tree sale.
Christmas tree sales at Grafelman Park begin Sunday, with the lot open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will also be open the following dates and times:
Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nov. 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dec. 1-3 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Dec. 4-5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dec. 8-10 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Dec. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The trees available include balsam, Douglas, Frazier firs and Scotch pines and range in height 6 to 12 feet. Prices range from $45 to $115, and wreaths, centerpieces and garland also are being sold for prices that start at $28.
Depending on tree availability, the tree lot may remain open after Dec. 12, club representatives said.
Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.