Indian Ladder Farms says goodbye to 2024 with Christmas tree bonfire

ALTAMONT, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- With many options throughout the Capital Region to celebrate the New Year, Indian Ladder Farms invited revelers to ring in the New Year in a sustainable way by recycling Christmas trees. The farm even hosted a whole day full of events for the kiddos.

But before the kids could have their countdown into the New Year, they hit the crafts tables. They played bingo for prizes. And course, what New Year’s celebration would be complete without New Year's wishes?

The day began at 11 a.m. and when the kids showed up, they were in for some real treats, from fresh popped popcorn to their very own smores bar. After the fun and festivities wrapped up for the kids, folks headed outside for the Christmas Tree Bonfire.

To help keep the adults feeling festive, the bar offered up some spirited solutions. “We have a Nordic Mule made with homemade Aquavit and Jumping Off the Furniture,” said Indian Ladder Farms Cidery and Brewery Bartender, Sabrina.

Indian Ladder Farms owner, Dietrich Gehring, talked about how the whole thing began back in 2019. “It started out a few years ago on a really cold New Year's and maybe ten people showed up with their trees. And I think last year we were at 254,” explained Gehring.

Dietrich said not only is it a fun event, but it’s also a safe way to dispose of Christmas trees and you get free drinks. “We kind of jokingly say it's kind of a public service so that people can see why you should water your Christmas tree,” said Dietrich.

And with a bonfire, it’s important to also make sure everyone is safe. So, the New Salem Volunteer Fire Department was on hand to also promote their recruitment efforts. “We have an auxiliary section. We have individuals that have other roles. So, you don't necessarily have to be the guy who's kicking in the door and going in to fight that fire,” explained New Salem Volunteer Firefighter, Jon Wood.

“The volunteer fire departments are crucial to the safety of everybody around here.” Wood went on to tell NEWS10 Reporter James De La Fuente. "This is the perfect way to dispose of your hazardous Christmas tree. “It's one of those situations that as you're still seeing it and you think it's okay, but the needles are starting to drop, you might not be paying attention enough. And all it takes is one stray spark or some other electrical. As you know, everything's all wired up, some malfunction in a wiring system that's on the tree, and then we get called,” stated Wood.