Alfeldt’s Celebrates 50 Years In The Christmas Tree Business
Cecil Alfeldt stands next to a row of Christmas trees during an open house on Saturday, November 23. The Christmas tree farm and nursery is celebrating 50 years this season.
Alfeldt’s Christmas Tree and Nursery rests on a wooded 160 acres in rural Oakdale. Cecil Alfeldt first started the business by selling out of his mom’s house before sold at his own. When he purchased the acres in 1963, he said the hills prevented other kinds of crops to grow but the Washington County Extension Center was encouraging the growth of Christmas trees at the time. This year, the business is celebrating 50 years of selling Christmas trees.
When asked what he likes about the holiday season, Cecil said he enjoys greeting the repeat customers
“Oh, yes, I enjoy Christmas time,” Cecil said. “We have people coming back year after year. Some for even the last forty years.”
Once the Christmas decorations arrive in the store, the Alfeldts know that winter business is coming. “As soon as I see it in the store I know I am going to get a call about a grave blanket or asked when we are open,” Karen Alfeldt said. “But it’s pretty much year round.”
The gift shop has a new table set up with items on display.
Beginning next weekend the Alfeldt Tree Farm will be having Santa Claus visit on November 29 and 30 as well as December 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15.
The Darr family – Ean, Emmie, Kristen and Chris listen to advice from Cecil Alfeldt about the Scott pines available for cutting. Kristen Darr said this was their first year visiting the tree farm.
Arabella Alfe;dt, 11, helps her aunt Karen Alfeldt with the roping. Alfeldt’s will sell about 5,000 feet of garland during the season
