The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of a longtime holiday fundraising tradition in Great Falls: the opening of the Uptown Optimist Club’s annual Christmas tree fundraiser.

This year, the club has stocked the lot with about 800 Christmas trees, ranging from Grand Firs to Fraser Firs and Douglas Firs. Volunteers opened the doors on Friday morning, and those on site said customers were already lined up to find their perfect tree.

Madison Collier reports - watch the video: Uptown Optimist Club kicks off Christmas tree fundraiser (2025)

“We’ll be open from nine to eight every day until we sell out, which happens quicker than you think,” said club president Josh Cinqmars. “We usually go through a little over 800 trees in about two weeks.”

Planning for the lot begins as early as Augu

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