Tinsel Town

Santa came to Durango early this year, and this time he came from Wisconsin in a semi-truck loaded with 450 Christmas trees for all to see – and also unload. Every year for the last five years, a group of volunteers gather in the train station's parking lot to unload the trees, which will be sold for San Juan Mountains Association’s “Silver Bells Christmas Trees for Conservation” fundraiser. Sales of the trees, which come in a variety of sizes and types, begin the day after Thanksgiving and run until Dec. 20 or when they run out. Whichever comes first. So say grace, eat turkey, and then go buy a tree to support our public lands. 

xmastree5.jpg
It takes hard work and a jolly attitude (and some sturdy Kinko's) to bring in the Christmas cheer, as demonstrated by Nick Glatt.
xmastree2.jpg
Volunteers from SJMA along with San Juan Hot Shots members carry trees to their designated spot at the D&SNGRR parking lot Monday morning.
xmastree1.jpg
The 450 trees made the trek from Wisconsin to Durango.
xmastree8.jpg

Volunteer Jodie Petersen helps pass trees from truck to carriers standing by