Paul and Karen Novak of Herndon (far left) purchase their annual Christmas tree one more time at the 'Elvis Tree Lot,' corner of Elden and Center Streets in Herndon. Richie Smiechowski, 18, of Herndon holds his chainsaw while Michael Hum of Herndon and Suzanne Eaton, who operates the lot, enjoy the moment too. Photo by Mercia Hobson.
It looks like Elvis can buy his Christmas tree in the Town of Herndon after all this year. When it became obvious that Comstock Herndon Venture and the Town of Herndon would not be ready to sign final documents on the Downtown Redevelopment Project by year's end, the Herndon Town Council approved an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement between the Town and Suzanne M. Eaton for the temporary use of the undeveloped Town-owned lot at the intersection of Center and Elden Streets for seasonal tree sales.
At that time, Eaton said, “We are thrilled to be at the town's Elden Street location one more year. Town Manager Bill Ashton has been so gracious with his time and efforts to arrange the lot for us this year…(We) look forward to seeing our old friends and longtime Herndon customers."
A few days before Thanksgiving, the Eaton family arrived with their little gray trailer and supplies. Up went wooden tree stands. Up went the strings of lights. Up went the Christmas trees. And finally, up went the famous sign, "Elvis buys his Christmas tree here every year."
Although it rained heavily all Saturday, Paul and Karen Novak of Herndon arrived Sunday. After walking the lot for a bit, they settle on a small tree. Lot attendant, Richie Smiechowski, 18, of Herndon who has worked at the tree lot for years, picked up his chainsaw and deftly trimmed tree's stump for the Novaks.
"Elvis lives," cried Paul Novak. Then off he went, a smile on his face and tree in his arms.