Photo: Alex (left) and Mary Rogul perusing the wares at the Belmont Lions’ annual Christmas Tree Sale.

Belmont resident Mary Rogul walked along rows of evergreens with her son, Alex, 10, in search of the Christmas tree to be their home’s holiday centerpiece.

And what makes a certain tree the “right” one for the Rogul clan?

“A really chubby one so we can hang all the decorations,” said Alex as they perused on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Nov. 26.

“We come by each year because they do sell the best trees,” said Mary, who came with Alex, husband Emerick and son Nathan, 8.

For nearly 70 years after Thanksgiving, the triangle in front of the Belmont Lions Club becomes the center of the local Christmas tree universe as approximately 3,000 trees and wreaths travel 14 hours from a farm in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia as part of the Lions’ annual Christmas Tree Sale along Royal Road at the entrance of Belmont Center.

“It’s a great community give-back as it serves so many causes,” said John McNamara, who is one of four team captains who leads the 50-plus volunteers who work the sale. 

The tree and wreath sale is the Lions’ biggest annual fundraiser, said McNamara, with the money supporting Mass Eye Research, the Lions Club International Foundation, Diabetes Awareness, scholarships for students at Belmont High School, community activities, Lions Clubhouse Historic Preservation and more activities.

The proceeds of this year’s tip jar goes to Belmont S.P.O.R.T. and Adaptive Sports New England.

Trees are sold from noon to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, “until the last tree is gone” which occurs usually a week before Christmas, said McNamara. 

“The reason we sell out is people come back each year because they know the money they spend goes to a good cause. It’s not like we’re making a profit. Everyone is donating their time,” he said.

The prices for trees are according to the height indicated on the board next to the wrapping area.

• 4 feet   $23
• 5 feet   $32
• 6 feet   $40
• 7 feet   $45
• 8 feet   $50
• 9 feet   $55+
• Special shaped trees are priced as marked.
• Wreaths range from $12 for a small 12-inch plain one to more than $35 for a decorated (bow and ) 24-inch.

There are also tree stands, tree bags, and center and mantelpieces for sale.

And the Roguls took home a Balsam Fir that was wrapped up and placed on the family car.

“We like to support local business and we care about Belmont,” said Mary.