ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Some folks decorate the tree. Some folks trim it. But at Custom Diesel Service in Allentown, folks throw the tree.

Now in its ninth year, Allentown’s annual Christmas Tree Throw sees Douglas firs lose their roots and fly the coups.

Anita Skelton owns Custom Diesel Service, where the event is held each year.

“My son’s best friend’s father started this in Bethlehem,” she said. “And this gentleman lost his life in 2016, so we decided to have an Allentown version of it in his honor.”

What started out just for fun, now raises hundreds for charities, and has turned into a bit of a fiery rivalry between the city’s fire and police stations.

“They tease and we have a lot of fun,” Skelton said.

Anyone is able to join in. Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk was one participant Friday afternoon.

“We had some Special Olympics athletes here who did great and enjoyed it, too,” Skelton said.

Winners in the male and female categories each won a gift card, but also, and perhaps more importantly, bragging rights.

Last year’s big winner went to a firefighter. This year it was a police officer, Anthony Campanell, beating out a firefighter by just two inches.

“Come together as a community, come together as a city,” Campanell said. “It’s fun. It’s a good time of the year and it’s for a good cause.”

But really, both sides win. The Allentown Fire Department chose to raise money for the Burn Prevention Network, while the Allentown Police Department raised money for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. 

Organizers say each charity will receive around $300 apiece, following Friday’s contest.

Those who wish, can still donate to each cause:

Special Olympics PA

2158 Avenue C, Suite 201

Bethlehem, PA 18017

Burn Prevention Network

6081 Hamilton Blvd.

Suite 600-628

Allentown, PA 18106