The Festival of Trees in Salt Lake County, Utah is a beloved holiday tradition that has been celebrated for over 50 years. This annual event brings together the community to celebrate the spirit of giving and to raise funds for a great cause. As an expert in event planning and community celebrations, I have had the privilege of witnessing the impact that this festival has on the people of Salt Lake County.
The History of the Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees was first held in 1971 by a group of women who wanted to raise money for Primary Children's Hospital. They came up with the idea of decorating Christmas trees and auctioning them off to raise funds.The first festival was a huge success, raising over $47,000 for the hospital. Since then, the festival has grown in size and popularity, becoming one of the most anticipated events in Salt Lake County. Today, the Festival of Trees is organized by Intermountain Healthcare and continues to support Primary Children's Hospital, as well as other local charities. It is held every year during the first week of December at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.
The Festival Experience
Walking into the Mountain America Expo Center during the Festival of Trees is like stepping into a winter wonderland. The entire space is transformed into a festive holiday village, with hundreds of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses on display.Each tree is unique and creatively decorated by volunteers from the community. One of the highlights of the festival is the gingerbread house display. Local businesses and individuals create elaborate gingerbread houses that are put on display for visitors to admire. These houses are then auctioned off to raise funds for the festival's beneficiaries. Aside from the stunning displays, there are also various activities and entertainment for all ages. Children can visit Santa's workshop, where they can meet Santa and his elves, write letters to Santa, and participate in fun holiday crafts.
There is also a live nativity scene, a holiday boutique, and a silent auction.
The Impact of the Festival
The Festival of Trees is more than just a fun holiday event. It has a significant impact on the community and the charities it supports. Over the years, the festival has raised millions of dollars for Primary Children's Hospital and other local charities. These funds have helped provide medical care for children in need, support families with medical expenses, and fund research for childhood diseases. But the impact of the festival goes beyond monetary donations.The Festival of Trees brings people together and creates a sense of community. It is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the holiday season while giving back to those in need. The festival also relies heavily on volunteers, with over 1,000 volunteers helping to make it a success each year. This sense of community and volunteerism is what makes the Festival of Trees so special.
Celebrating the Spirit of Giving
The Festival of Trees is not just about raising funds for charity; it is also about celebrating the spirit of giving.The festival encourages people to give back to their community in any way they can. Whether it's through monetary donations, volunteering, or simply spreading kindness and joy during the holiday season, the festival inspires people to make a positive impact in their community. As an expert in event planning, I have seen firsthand how the Festival of Trees has brought people together and created a sense of unity and generosity in Salt Lake County. It is truly a celebration of the holiday spirit and the power of giving.
In Conclusion
The Festival of Trees in Salt Lake County, Utah is a cherished holiday tradition that has been making a difference in the community for over 50 years. It brings people together, celebrates the spirit of giving, and raises funds for important causes.As an expert, I can confidently say that the Festival of Trees is not just an event; it is a symbol of hope, kindness, and generosity in the community.
