Second Star to the Right and Straight on 'til Morning ~

“To live will be an awfully big adventure.” 

― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

This is the 45th year for the Festival of Trees and We CAN's sixth year doing a tree for the Festival.  This year, our creative, talented artistic director, Paula Perkins, took us to Never Never Land through the Darling's Nursery window.

Carolyn and Paula ~ getting us all started

We arrived at the South Town Center this morning on a cold, beautiful bright winter's day.  Our number was on the opposite side of the hall, so we all hoped that it would be a little warmer this year, but not to be - our booth was right in front of a big, OPEN  bay door and the wind was cold.  We put on our coats and mittens!

Paula and Carolyn decorating the tree

We are given a 9 x 7 space, which can be challenging when trying to fit two beds, a rocking chair, a Christmas tree and lots of presents! 

Rae Lee, Carol and Sandy covered the frames with fabric

 We spent a couple of hours on this cold concrete floor, stapling fabric to the frames - 

 Paula makes certain that everything is wired in and just perfect!  Everything on the tree must be wired in to the branches and there is re-bar going up the center of the tree that is connected to the tree stand below, making the tree solid and easily transported to the new owners after the Festival. 

 Carolyn, Paula and Sue working on the ornaments for the tree.

 Tinkerbell is the star of the show - she appears inside the paper lanterns and on the colorful clocks and takes the show on top of the tree

The bright colorful garland is all folded paper, wooden spools and ribbon 

 Second Star to the Right and Straight on Til Morning!

 John and Michael's beds are covered with bright home-made quilts and matching pillowcases

Carol's getting feisty with the electric tools! 

 Because of a few technical difficulties and rules that we were not aware of, Paula  had to re-design some of the background scenes . . . and they turned out beautifully.  There are silhouettes of  Michael, Peter and Wendy flying over the London Skyline. 

 All the banners add a personal touch and festive look to the Nursery

This year's crew minus Scott, who helped in spite of a recent shoulder surgery
Lynn, Rae Lee, Carolyn, Carol, Paula, Sue and Sandy 

All finished!  And what a fun Nursery 

  Ahhh, we were all cold (freezing cold) hungry and tired . . . it was so great to sit down at Olive Garden to visit eat  and relax Lynn, Carolyn, Paula, Sue, Rae Lee,  Carol  and Sandy behind the camera
Festival of Trees runs from Wednesday, December 2 through Saturday, December 5th at the South Town Center in Sandy, Utah. All proceeds go to help children at Primary Children's Hospital get the medical care they need.  Many of the trees done for the festival are dedicated to children or other loved ones and their stories are always inspirational and touching.   It is a great way to help children in need.  We work together on our tree and crafts that will be sold at the Festival Boutique throughout the year ~ so it feels like Christmas all year long!. We enjoy lots of laughter, fun and many hours of service together. They are all great ladies!

Madhatter's Tea Party ~the Simple and Loving Heart of Childhood

“Lastly, she pictured to herself how this same little sister of hers would, in the after-time, be herself a grown woman; and how she would keep, through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her childhood: and how she would gather about her other little children, and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago: and how she would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find a pleasure in all their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer days.”  ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

 Our Tree this year for the Festival of Trees was "The Mad Hatter's Tea Party" from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Every penny raised at the Festival of Trees goes to help a child in need at Primary Childrens Hospital here in Salt Lake.  Children come from all over the world to receive the specialized care or surgery they need.

Paula chose bright, fun colors, with a mixture of all kinds of chairs, table settings and clocks galore.

 The tree was festive in painted mushrooms, bottles saying,"Drink Me", cups and saucers, and lots and lots of clocks.

Carolyn, Carol, Lynn, Vila, Paula Patti and Kathy 

The lovely ladies who spent the day at the Festival decorating the tree and preparing for bid night.  We are happy to report that our tree did sell on bid night and we hope that it brings happiness and joy to everyone who gets to see it!

Judy Gets Her Wings ~ 2012 Festival of Trees

"There's an angel in us all

A little voice inside that answers every call

There's a joyous sound resounding in your heart

A ray of hope that shines as bright as any star.

Remember . . .

For each and every bell that rings

Another angel gets his wings

So show you care and share your light

And help an angel fly tonight

An act of kindness, a tender smile

These little blessings seem to make it all worth while

So try and do what's ringing true inside your heart

Remember . . .

For each and every bell that rings

Another angel gets his wings

So show you care and share your light

And help an angel fly tonight."

"Another Angel Gets It's Wings," by Trisha Yearwood

Barbara, Ardis, Paula and Carolyn ~ unloading the cart

 We arrived at the South Towne  Expo Center around 9:30 a.m. and it was already buzzing with creative energy and excitement.    A year of planning and preparing ~ and this is the big  day! Paula is our designer ~ she has a lovely artistic, creative mind and comes up with beautiful decorations and design.

Ardis, Carolyn and Lynn ~ reshaping the tree

 The festival has very strict guidelines by necessity.  These trees are viewed by thousands of people all week long, then on Saturday night, the whole display is packed up and delivered to the buyer.  Everything has to be reinforced and wired in securely so nothing is lost.

Lynn, Ardis and Carolyn ~ wiring decorations

Kathy and Barbara begin to decorate

 

Barbara and Paula ~ the lights go on, then the star is next

Carolyn, Ardis, Lynn and Barbara ~ wrapping gifts 

Kathy and Paula 

Kathy, Carolyn, Paula, Ardis and Barbara

  Bright lime, turquoise and red tissue balls, folded paper circles adorned with fairies, butterflies, dragon flies, red and turquoise birds and golden books filled with quotes of love and friendship for a dear friend adorn the tree.

 This beautiful tree is dedicated with love to our dear friend, Judy, who left us after a valiant fight against cancer.  She loved everyone and spent her time serving and helping others every day.  She was an angel and dear friend, who set a shining example of Christlike love and compassion.  ~ Judy has truly earned her wings.

Lynn designed and sewed the tree skirt

Paula, Carolyn, Barbara, Lynn
Ardis, Sandy and Kathy

  There is so much love in this building I am amazed the roof can stay on! As we visited with our neighbors and walked around looking at the amazing trees in various stages of creation, the artistry is amazing - but it is the love that is packed into each display that is so poignant.  Every story is touching and memorable. And every cent that is earned through the Festival of Trees goes to help children receive the medical care they so desperately need.

While we were decorating our tree, Carolyn noticed two Scouts walking by with children's books in their arms - she quickly caught up to them and found out it was the Eagle Scout that we had collected books for.  They invited us over to see their tree as well.  He has collected books for each of the children at Primary Children's Hospital and with his family, done this beautiful "Christmas Story" tree display for Festival of Trees.

Festival of Trees is open to the public from Wednesday, November 28 through Saturday, December 1.  Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. each day.

 Tickets are available at the door for $5/Adults, $3/Children ages 2 - 11 (under 2 years old are free), $4 senior citizens.  Wednesday is Family Day where a $15 ticket will admit up to 6 immediate family members.  Discount tickets are still available at most Zions Bank locations.  Discount tickets are $4/Adults, $2.50/Children ages 2 - 11.