Community Corner

Deerfield's Black Friday Tradition: Optimist Tree Lot

Annual sale of Christmas trees will benefit local organizations.

Anyone looking for a Black Friday tradition void of commercialism need look no further than the Optimist Christmas Tree lot at Jewett Park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday to be part of a custom more than 50 years old.

In keeping with Black Friday ritual, those are extended lot hours for a Friday.

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The lot will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays other than Black Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

With all profits from the sale of four different kinds of trees going to benefit a variety of local causes, the annual community-wide effort involves not only members of the Optimists but Deerfield High School students as well.

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The trees arrived on time last weekend and were quickly unloaded by the Deerfield High School wrestling team as they have been for many years causing Tree Lot Chairman Judy Gueder to breathe a sigh of relief. Last year more than half the trees arrived a day late.

In addition to members of the optimists, trees will be sold as they have in the past by member of the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams from the high school.

The profits from the tree sales will go to different projects for youth such as an essay contest for learning disabled middle school students, college scholarships based on community service, a picnic with games at a cancer camp in Wisconsin, a basketball tournament for middle school teams and an Easter egg hunt. They also assist with Halloween Hoopla.

Three types of fir trees—Fraser, Balsam and Canaan—and Scotch Pine will be available.

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