While shoppers flocked to local businesses and the SoWa Chrismukkah fair on Saturday, the Blackstone/Franklin Square Area Neighborhood Association (B/FSNA) did a brisk business in Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday finery in a sun-drenched Blackstone Square. Santa Claus greeted visitors from 10:00 until 1:00 PM and local eateries provided tempting food and hot beverages to fortify shoppers for their holiday decorating.

The sale netted about $7,000, which will fund B/FSNA's park upkeep and improvements and neighborhood programming. However, B/FSNA president Eric Huang wrote, "Our event is not just about sales numbers. This is a holiday celebration for children and families as well. Santa Claus visited and delighted dozens of children and adults. Flour Bakery "popped up" to serve cookies, pastries, and hot chocolate and cider. United South End Settlements (USES) set up a photo booth with props where people could take fun, festive photos. We even had an impromptu visit by baton twirlers from Villa Victoria who entertained us with a performance. It was a fun, festive day that the community looks forward to every year and we hope to do an even better job next year."

B/FSNA also shared its greenery with families in need. Huang explained, "We are especially happy to be able to donate five trees to South End families through coordination with local service organizations in the neighborhood. We can only imagine the joy on those families' faces knowing that they will be able to gather around a tree in their home to celebrate the holidays this year."

B/FSNA volunteers Donny and Robert Goris-Kolb helped trim the trunk of each tree purchased, and USES after-school program coordinator Kasey Blume bought a tree to donate to a family that lives near USES.