2021 marks the 30th year that the Southern Lancaster County Historical Society (SLCHS) has sold holiday-themed wreaths, grave blankets, door swags, and boxwood and other greens in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. When the fundraiser first began, only society members were involved. However, over the years, it's become a community affair.

SLCHS' 30th annual greens sale will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 3 p.m. Greens will be displayed and sold on a first-come, first-served basis inside the society's archive building, 1932 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville. Custom orders are also available and can be made until Wednesday, Dec. 1. Those interested in preordering can call the society at 717-548-2679 or Peg Wurst at 717-392-5023. Only cash and checks will be accepted as form of payment.

To prepare for the annual sale, about five people make decorative items through the summer and into the fall. They craft ornamental arrangements, paint pinecones, tie ribbons and bows, and more. The greens themselves are pruned and cut after Thanksgiving. Wurst, a member of SLCHS' archive committee, noted that handling and making items close to the sale keeps them fresh.

Wurst also mentioned that there is a need for greens, so as people prune their boxwood, juniper, and other evergreen trees or shrubs, they can bring in a batch of greens themselves to the society, or they can contact the society and members will have someone come to their location. Wurst is also looking for volunteers to help make arrangements for the sale. Volunteers will meet for five days from Monday, Nov. 29, to Friday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the basement of the society's archives. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

"It's a lot of fun!" exclaimed Wurst. "And volunteers don't need to be there all day. We will take whatever they can contribute."

Those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask. Proceeds from the greens sale help to support the society members' work to preserve the Robert Fulton Birthplace and local heritage and to maintain the society's growing collection of artifacts as well as family and community records. To learn more about SLCHS, visit http://www.southernlancasterhistory.org.