By Blake Jackson
On Monday, New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball will lead the annual tree-cutting ceremony at Chalker Creek Farm in Chenango Forks. The event aims to encourage the purchase of locally grown Christmas trees, promoting the "shop local" concept during the holiday season. Chalker Creek Farm, the host for this year's ceremony, will be honored as one of the newest Christmas tree farms participating in the NYS Grown & Certified program. This state initiative highlights farms adhering to higher environmental and food safety standards.
The ceremonious tree-cutting will feature a 6-foot-tall Fraser Fir, which will be displayed at the Southern Tier Welcome Center. This festive display will greet visitors entering New York from I-81 North, strategically coinciding with the busiest travel days of the year.
The event, scheduled for Monday, November 20 at 11:30 am, will be attended by State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, Chalker Creek Farm owner Joe Licata and family, NYS Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, NYS Senator Peter Oberacker, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, and representatives from the Southern Tier Welcome Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Christmas Tree Farmers' Association of New York.
Photo Credit: istock-georgeclerk
Categories: New York, General