State and local officials including Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle kicked off the holiday season Monday by holding an annual "Green Friday" Christmas tree-cutting ceremony at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield. The event included a governor's proclamation and donation of a tree to a local family in need. To mark the occasion, Gov. Maura Healey has declared Friday, Nov. 28, as “Green Friday” to encourage everyone across Massachusetts to visit their local farms and nurseries for Christmas trees and other festive plants this holiday season. CAROL LOLLIS / Staff Photo
Bob Schrader, co-owner of Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield, talks about the business during a visit from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle on Monday. The state is declaring Friday, Nov. 28, as “Green Friday” to encourage everyone across Massachusetts to visit their local farms and nurseries for Christmas trees and other festive plants this holiday season. CAROL LOLLIS / Staff PhotoMassachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle kicked off the holiday season Monday by holding an annual “Green Friday” Christmas tree-cutting ceremony at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield. Here she is reading a governor’s proclamation declaring Friday, Nov. 28, as “Green Friday” to encourage everyone across Massachusetts to visit their local farms and nurseries for Christmas trees and other festive plants this holiday season. CAROL LOLLIS / Staff Photo