Business & Tech

Wayland Boy Scout Tree Sale Going On Now

With more wreaths and trees this year, the troop is set up for one of its two major fundraisers of the year.

It's a tradition in Wayland that Matt Karpacz said is about as "Christmas" as it gets.

"Buying Christmas trees from Boy Scouts at a church," said Matt Karpacz, chairman of Boy Scout Troop 1. "If that's not Christmas, what is?"

For many years, Boy Scout Troop 1 has sold trees from the side lot of on Main Street in Cochituate. The sale opened last weekend, Dec. 2, and will continue until Dec. 18 or until the last tree is sold, whichever comes first.

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Karpacz said the troop ordered 326 Balsam firs from Nova Scotia this year along with many more wreaths than last year. The trees range from "Charlie Browns" to more than 10-feet tall. Prices range from $25-$65

“We’ve never not sold 100 percent of our trees," Karpacz said, adding that about $5,000 worth of trees left the lot in the first weekend alone. "We try to buy to match demand. We’re not out to conquer the market. We're trying to sell the appropriate number to match our needs.”

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Each year, the troop keeps a record of what size trees sell and then purchases trees for the next year's sale based on that demand. In 2009, the troop selected smaller trees in response to the economic climate of the time, but returned to "full-size" trees in 2010.

"Our hope is to be done in two weekends," Karpacz said, meaning the troop would sell the last of its product the weekend of Dec. 9-11.

The proceeds from the tree sales help the troop, active in Wayland since 1924, purchase tents, camping supplies and other items. In addition, the funds allow the troop to provide scholarships for some scouts, so that everyone can participate regardless of economic issues.

“We do a lot of behind the scenes environmental cleanup and conservation for the town,” Karpacz said, noting specifically a recent Eagle Scout project during which the troop constructed fences at Fox Meadow Conservation Area.

Even if you don't plan to purchase a tree this year, Karpacz said, "Remember to wave. He said the boys working the tree lot stand on the corner and wave to passing cars. His troop even has a contest to see how many people they can convince to wave, though Karpacz estimates only about half of the drivers respond.

The tree lot is open Fridays from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sundays from noon-6 p.m.


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