By Tracey Compton

Reporter Newspapers

The day after Thanksgiving marked the opening of many Christmas tree stands in the area, including the Newcastle Fruit and Produce Company’s Christmas tree stand. This year the business kicked off holiday sales with a celebration and introduced reindeer for customer viewing at its location. Petting, feeding or riding the reindeer isn’t allowed.

“We’ve got two weeks to make everything disappear and recreate this as a Christmas business,” said Dave Franklin.

Franklin has co-owned the Newcastle Fruit and Produce Company for 21 years with Damu Maples. After its Christmas transformation was complete, the company held a tree-ighting ceremony, with the Liberty High School choir, a Santa appearance, roasted chestnuts and Marines collecting for Toys for Tots.

The reindeer were added to the scene for the first time this year, fulfilling a long-standing wish, he said.

The two female reindeer Franklin has been calling Comet and Cupid come from a farm in Eastern Washington.

“They’re starting to get really curious,” he said. “They love to munch on the needles from the fir trees.”

Since the company’s holiday celebration, Newcastle Fruit and Produce has been very busy selling big trees like Noble Firs, which are top sellers early in the season. Every year the owners hand select every tree. During the holidays, the business adds wreathes, garland, hanging baskets, holiday decor and, of course, trees to their produce and nursery sales.

Newcastle Fruit and Produce is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 13013 Newcastle Way.

Tracey Compton: 425-255-3484, ext. 5052; tcompton@rentonreporter.com