Between fir trees being walked to cars and Santa Claus ringing his bell, Dunlop Street is beginning to look a lot like Christmas
The Downtown Barrie Business Improvement Association (BIA) has members out in the cold Saturday selling trees and wreaths for a local organization that could use the help. The early part of today was as big a success as the BIA has seen before.
By 1 p.m., the BIA tree lot had seen 10 trees sold, which, according to creative communications director Kristen Eatch, may be a record.
“I don’t think we had 10 trees sold in one day last year let alone in a few hours,” said Eatch. “There are even more people saying they’re doing some running around but would be back to grab one before heading home.”
The tree and wreath lot has been a staple of the Noella festival for five years and this year all proceeds from sales are going toward Hospice Simcoe. The Fraser fir trees are approximately six to seven feet in high and are being sold at the west side of Meridian Place.
Santa Claus is also on-site for the kids to get pictures with and fireplaces to keep warm on the cold days.
“I think the success of today and the number of trees we’ve sold is due in part to so many people getting into the festive spirit,” said Eatch. “Tomorrow is the first day of December so I think a lot of people are getting ready to decorate their homes and prepare for Christmas.”
“It also helps when knowing that the money is going to a great cause like Hospice.”
The Noella Festival tree lot runs until Dec. 14 every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with trees priced at $60 and wreaths priced at $35.
