We CAN: December 2019

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

There is Magic in the Air . . . Magic Everywhere December 2019 Festival of Trees

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas."

~ Dale Evans

Monday, December 2nd, we drove up to the Mt America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah to decorate our tree for the Festival of Trees 2019

It was a beautiful day for the set-up for the Festival of Trees. The weather was perfect for the drive up and no wind, which is beneficial for everyone carting in loads of boxes, trees, ornaments, lights, tools and all the set-up gear.

Carolyn waiting to check in

First, we have to check in to get our packet and block assignment - we were in E-516. Actual tree registration was done many months ago in order to get a spot at the Festival.

When you walk into the festival, there is a buzz in the air, creative energy flows freely from all the artistic, loving, thoughtful people there setting up trees, gingerbread houses, quilts, centerpieces and those setting up the Gift Boutique, food and entertainment areas. It is just exciting to walk through those doors and feel that pulse of enthusiasm and energy.

Sharon, Carolyn and KD wrapping the ribbon

The trees all have to be stabilized with re-bar and have a sturdy stand. Every decoration has to be wired onto the tree. The trees are placed over a large plastic tree bag, so on Saturday evening at the close of the festival, the Festival Board, family and friends, can wrap those trees and decorations up in the bags, and tie them securely. They box up all the decor around the tree and deliver hundreds of trees through the night and the following day to those people and businesses that have purchased the trees during the auction that occurs the day after set-up..

Ardis is manning the tools - scissors and wire cutters

KD and Victoria

There is a wonderful camaraderie during the set-up day. People chatting with the people next to them, borrowing a forgotten needed tool, giving recommendations and ideas of how to improve the set-up and display, information on where to get the best deals . . .

Sharon, KD, Carolyn, Victoria and Ardis

Ardis and KD add some finishing touches around the tree

Sandy made the tree skirt - it's actually reversible, with a white musical fabric on the back side, but I didn't get a photo of the other side before placement.

It's
Our finished tree! We are so excited and now are keeping our fingers crossed that someone will love it too and bid on it tomorrow night.

Vicky, Sharon, Carolyn, KD, Sandy and Ardis

This is absolutely the best way to start the Christmas Season. The Festival of Trees runs from December 4-7th at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy Utah. All the money goes to Primary Childrens' Hospital to help children in need get the healthcare, surgery, or therapy they need to get well. It is such a worthy cause. I hope you will go and see all of the beautiful trees, gingerbread houses, centerpieces, quilts that were made for the Festival of Trees. And make sure you stop by the Gift Boutique as well and pick up some fun neighbor gifts!

Just a quick report ~ our lovely Christmas Carol tree sold Tuesday at auction and we are so excited and grateful! We also made 266 craft items for the Festival Boutique and we are hoping each of those will be purchased as well. This wonderful event raises millions of dollars that will help children from around the world. We are so grateful to have a small part in The Festival of Trees. Thank you to all of you who work so hard throughout the year to make this gift possible!