"Smiles and Happiness are truly catching.!"

"Smiles and Happiness are truly catching." 

~Johnny  Gruelle

Last year was the 100th anniversary of Johnny Gruelle's  first Raggedy Ann and Andy book, so it seemed a fun theme for good friends to put together.

Kathy, Lynn and Carolyn

Getting the tree bag set up first.  When the festival is over the tree bag goes around the whole tree and because everything is wired on, it can be transported easily to it's new home.  There is tons of Creative Energy in the air at the festival - it is so exciting to be there and to see all the amazing trees that are decorated in a few hours . . . but we know that hundreds of hours have been spent designing and creating the ornaments and display items that go around and on the tree.

Dennis, Vila, Lynn, Carolyn and Anne

 Dennis came along to put the re-bar that is required on the tree.  The
Festival rules are changing a little, but it makes it easier for those volunteers who transport the trees to their new homes.

Raggedy Ann and Andy

 Lynn sewed our Raggedy Ann and Andy ~ don't they look like they are just waiting to go under the Christmas tree?

Carolyn, Dennis and Vila

 Each joining section of the tree has to have rebar that is wired in.  The ornaments all have to be wired onto the tree as well as the lights.  Our tree was pre-lit, so we could skip that tedious step.  

Carolyn, Carol, Vila and Lynn

 Getting ornaments and wire ready to go!

Anne, Carol, Carolyn and Ardis

 And the fun begins!

Anne, Kathy and Ardis

 Most of the ornaments we have made during our Humanitarian service meetings during the past year.  The candy cane sticks were purchased at the craft store.  

Ardis and Anne

 The tree is decorated with Raggedy Ann and Andy stockings, Ann and Andy faces, cloth balls, red felt hearts, yarn spools, and peppermint candy sticks.

Anne, Carolyn, Kathy, Carol and Ardis

With the Rag Tree Skirt

 Sandy put together our Rag Tree Skirt Quilt

"Smiles and Happiness are Truly Catching!" ~ Johnny Gruelle

 Kathy and her daughter made the chalkboard quote as well as putting the names on the wooden sleds.

Our finished Raggedy Ann and Andy tree!

 The tree is delightful, bright and fun!

side view

Vila, Lynn, Sandy, Anne, Carolyn, Ardis, Carol and Kathy

The Festival of Trees bidding is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 29th.  The Festival opens to the public Wednesday, November 30 and runs through Saturday December 3.  It is at the South Town Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.