SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The time has finally come.
As Thanksgiving turned to Black Friday, the official start of the Christmas season fell upon Maine, and volunteers at South Portland's Mill Creek Park welcomed a tractor-trailer, as they prepared to sell Christmas trees as they had for 60-plus years prior.
With 1,000 trees to unload and stack, many hands made light work. The South Portland High School boys basketball team arrived with enthusiasm and said they made this volunteerism an annual tradition as well.
"It gets us a little blood flowing before practice," senior center Gabe Galarraga said. "It's just, kind of, a tradition that we do around here."
The day after spending Thanksgiving with their family, the team helps lift 1,000 trees—and they still have to go to practice. Did they at least get a break on wind sprints?
"No, absolutely not," coach Kevin Millington, said with a devilish grin. "It's preseason; gotta get them ready for the regular season."
It's hard to argue when the team is seeking its third straight state title.
Moving at a decidedly different pace at locations around the state, Friday was opening day for many tree farms, like the Balsam Ridge farm in Raymond. Like a fine bourbon, the trees there usually mature eight to nine years before a family finds them.
Maine farmers of all types faced drought in 2022 and flooding this year. Co-owner Dewey Lloy was grateful for the moisture.
"I was very thankful for some rain," he said. "We got above average amounts, which helped to make up for the two years of drought that we had prior to."
Whether it be giving up one's time to help out, or receiving a new tree for the home, all could appreciate the sweet moments this time of year. Even if the layup line loomed that afternoon.