By Dave DeVito
For more than half a century, the aroma of fresh-cut trees has filled the air at Kiwanis Park as families and friends gather for the Exchange Club of New Canaan’s annual Christmas tree sale.
This beloved New Canaan holiday tradition brings the community together, fostering a sense of warmth and holiday cheer while raising funds for local charities to make the New Canaan and Lower Fairfield County community a better place.
“Our goal is to make it much more than just a tree sale – it’s a community event that embodies the spirit of the season,” said Eric Wiechmann, tree lot committee chairman. Tree sales begin on 11/29 and will last until 12/22 at Kiwanis Park.
This year, Wiechmann and his team plan to bring back some of the experiences that COVID pushed away for a few years.
Santa will return to the lot for photos and good cheer. Kids can meet Santa and drop off their letters in Santa’s mailbox.
Kids can also take a ride around town on Old Faithful, the bright red antique fire truck that has been part of New Canaan’s history for many years.
Wiechmann and his committee are also working on adding to the overall festive atmosphere with hot chocolate and cider, holiday music and candy canes.
Inventory this year will be diverse, including trees big and small – going up to 10 footers. But the lot will have much more than trees, including plain and decorated wreathes, as well as other holiday specialties such as door charms, lights, bows and tree stands.
But beyond the beautiful experience the lot looks to bring New Canaan residents, the true holiday spirit is the tremendous programs the Exchange Club tree lot helps fund.
Last year, the Exchange Club awarded more than $200,000 in grants to 40+ local nonprofits. More than 75% of this total comes from the Exchange Club’s tree sales, which is the club’s largest fundraiser.
Some of the organizations supported include ABC Inc. of New Canaan, Connect US, Food Rescue US, GetAbout, Hang Time, Help for Kids, INTEMPO, KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support), Kids Helping Kids, Meals-on-Wheels, New Canaan Cares, New Canaan CERT, New Canaan Parent Support Group, New Canaan Society for the Arts, PEHT, Pivot Ministries, Planet New Canaan, RAM Council, Shepherds, Inc., Silvermine Guild Arts Center, Staying Put in New Canaan, The Rowan Center, Town Players of New Canaan, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Waveny Life Network WEE-ACT College Tours, and Women Empowering Women.
“The organizations our grants support have told us that without our funding, many of their programs would not happen,” said Weichmann. “We can’t match the tree prices of retailers, but people know they’re doing good by buying their trees from us and can see direct results in the community, which is what Christmas is all about.”
For more information on the tree lot, including schedules for Santa and Old Faithful, visit https://newcanaanchristmastrees.com/
You can also visit the Exchange Club’s table at the New Canaan Holiday Stroll on 12/6.
And to find out more about the Exchange Club of New Canaan, including how you can contribute or become a member, visit https://newcanaanexchangeclub.com/
