Ocean City family is behind the beach tree trend
By Steffen Klenk
On a chilly Saturday afternoon, a pickup truck arrives at the north end of Ocean City with a special delivery. There was excitement in the air as the McElwee family and young volunteers brought the North Street Christmas Tree onto the beach. Several onlookers were there to witness the tradition, which is now six years strong.
“I love doing it,” McElwee says. “It means a lot hearing that it’s people’s traditions, and I love seeing everybody enjoying it.”
Upon arriving at North Street Beach, follow the signs that will lead you to a ten-foot-tall evergreen tree, donated by Eisele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Petersburg. The tree is planted with a clear tube and bucket underneath the sand to collect water, ensuring health and vitality all season long.
The tradition began in 2019 when Sue McElwee and her husband, Mike, moved from Bucks County, Pa. to Ocean City, with her children: Michael, 17, Maddox, 14, Mason, 12, and Harlow, 6. All four are active surfers and skateboarders. “I like to incorporate the kids”, McElwee says. “Having them witness all this is inspiring them and teaching them along the way.”
The first tree was surrounded entirely by clamshells, each adorned with positive messages, well-wishes to loved ones. But it wasn’t until the pandemic when the tree gained notoriety as a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. “After COVID, it really took off, because it was outside and we were finally seeing people,” McElwee says. More than 7,000 shells were left at the tree a year later in 2021.
In the years since, the trees on the beach have become a phenomenon, spanning to various parts of the island and beyond. “I think everybody likes to be part of it,” McElwee explains. “When you’re down here, you come across so many people that you would never meet or talk to.”
Those who are arriving at North Street will notice several wooden signs, each sign created by local surf artist Kristina Young. One will guide you in the direction of the tree. The other, standing next to the tree, encourages beachgoers to leave an ornament or other décor made by organic materials.
The North Street Tree will stay up for all to visit until New Year’s, after which what is remaining will be donated for the animals at Funny Farm Rescue and Animal Sanctuary in Mays Landing.
As you visit Ocean City this season, be sure to stop by North Street Tree to decorate or drop off a clam shell, enjoy the many festive activities that the island has to offer, and spark new memories that will last a lifetime.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
