BY CHERYL SHUMWAY
North Country This Week

CANTON – Many families had an unexpected surprise when they visited the Bear Dance Tree Farm, Canton, to buy a Christmas tree Saturday, Dec. 5.

The first 50 trees were free, thanks to the ‘Pay it Forward’ program sponsored by SeaComm.

“It’s beautiful and a very friendly idea. It was totally unexpected. Now we will pay it forward,” said Kristy LaCourse, Massena.

This was the first year visiting the tree farm for Kristy and Eric LaCourse, and their children Isla, Gus, and Theo. They quickly found a tree to cut down and carry on their sled to their car.

Graeme Hoffman, from Canton, said their family was also pleasantly surprised to receive a free tree.

“We were very fortunate to come across the sale,” said Graeme Hoffman, as he, Eloise Brezault and their children Aidan and Mael Hoffman-Brezault tied their tree to the hood of their car.

Tyler LeBoeuf, Marketing and Communications Specialist at SeaComm, was at the event at Bear Dance Tree Farm. “It was a great turnout. We were happy to purchase the first 50 Christmas trees and donate them back to local residents.

“This event is part of our Pay-It-Forward Program, which enables SeaComm staff to perform random acts of kindness in the communities we serve,” he said.

“This is SeaComm’s fourth year of their Pay-It-Forward Program. We plan to continue this successful initiative and encourage others to spread kindness,” said LeBoeuf.

The tree farm was bustling with activity Saturday. Nearly two dozen cars lined the roadsides of the farm at 401 Lincoln Rd. The free trees were sold by one o’clock.

Several families chose to cut down their own tree and were walking through the rows of trees in search of the perfect one. Others were selecting pre-cut trees or inside the shop drinking coffee and cocoa while looking at the holiday wreaths and other decorations.

“Many people were pleasantly surprised that their trees were free,” said owners Hans and Marilyn Welbergen.

This is their ninth year selling blue spruce, white spruce, balsam fir and Fraser fir trees.

The Welbergens started planting trees on their farm in 2003. Eight years later they cut their first trees.

“This has been the best year ever for tree sales. There is pent up demand for something to do outside. People need something fun to do that is family oriented,” said Marilyn Welbergen.

“We had to get extra help from family members because we have been so busy. We’ll probably sell out earlier this year. We usually stop around Dec. 20, but we may stop a few days earlier this year,” she said.