12/2/2024
| HOPE MURRAY TREMBLAY
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Squire Farm has been a Christmas tradition for families since 1980 and new families are discovering its magic every year.
Located at 583 Somers Rd. in East Longmeadow, Squire Farm boasts acres of land where Christmas trees are currently growing, many of which were ready for customers to cut themselves this year when Squire Farm opened for the season the day after Thanksgiving.
“We will have about 100 cut-your-own trees,” said Owner Josh Bailey.
When Bailey took ownership of the family farm, along with his father, they started a new crop of trees. Most are still growing but about 100 are ready to go home for the holidays.
“It takes so long to grow,” Bailey said. “It really takes a decade to grow an 8-foot tree.”
Squire Farm primarily grows Canaan firs, Fraser firs and Balsams.
“We will have some Douglas firs and Conifers mixed in,” Bailey said.
Because the cut-your-own crops are still growing, Squire Farm works with another third-generation family farm to offer pre-cut trees for those who want the freshcut vibe without the work.
“For pre-cut we have Fraser and Balsam,” said Bailey.
Prices range from $60-$100 for pre-cut trees, which start at 6 feet tall, and cut-your-own trees are $80. Bailey said Clark Griswold himself would be happy to cut one of Squire Farm’s trees because the staff are onhand to make it an easy process.
“We are full service,” explained Bailey. “We have saws and wagons and a great crew that will net your tree and tie it to your car for you.”
Bailey grew up helping his family at Squire Farm. From driving tractors to cutting trees, he always enjoyed the tree farm life.
“I guess it’s in my blood,” he said. Or, perhaps, that’s tree sap.
Bailey’s career path has been in IT and he owns a consulting business that keeps him busy most of the year. But, for one magical month each year, Bailey puts away his laptop and trades it for a saw and work gloves.
“The season is short — we are only open for four weeks — but it’s my favorite time of year,” Bailey shared. “We get families coming in with their children and grandchildren and it’s so much fun to participate in hundreds of family traditions, not just our own.”
Bailey always loved Christmas and said his favorite part is seeing the joy on the faces of families as they find their perfect tree and shop inside the farm’s “Red Building” for local treasures.
While the Christmas tree is the main event of holiday décor, making the entire house — or business — festive with greenery and more is another way Squire Farm can help brighten the season in its shop.
From simple green wreaths to brightly decorated wreaths, holiday planters, roping and green garlands, Squire Farm can help bring cheer to any space.
“We started the shop five years ago and it is filled up with Christmas decor,” said Bailey. “We specialize in metal and wood ‘rustic farmhouse’ items, but we also have 25 or 30 vendors.”
Squire Farm supports its fellow local farmers and entrepreneurs in its shop. Customers can purchase products such as maple syrup, coffee, home décor, olive oil, artisan chocolate, knitted items, ornaments and more throughout the holiday season.
“People love our local gift boxes, which are filled with items made by local vendors,” shared Bailey. Squire Farm has hayrides every half hour from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends and a special mailbox for Letters to Santa with a direct line to the North Pole, as well as free hot cocoa on the weekend. Squire Farm also welcomes its canine elves to the property.
“I can’t wait to see our returning families and meet new ones,” said Bailey.
SQUIRE FARM, 583 SOMERS RD. IN EAST LONGMEADOW, IS OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY, 10 A.M. – 6 P.M., SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. – 5 P.M., AND OFFERS ONLINE PICKUP AND DELIVERY TREE ORDERS AT SQUIRE-FARM.COM THROUGH DEC. 23.
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