Quilts at the 2012 Festival of Trees

Detail from quilt titled "Let It Snow!"

Early December brought the Festival of Trees back to the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.  This annual event is a fundraiser for the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.  Each year, countless volunteers put in thousands of hours creating and selling wonderful Christmas items all to benefit this worthy charity.

Row of quilts on display at the Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees has something for everyone.  There are dance and music performances throughout each day and evening on two different stages in the festival itself, and in the lobby area outside.  Quilts, wreaths, trees, gingerbread houses, and other Christmas decorations are for sale.  And of course, there is the food.  Scones and cinnamon rolls are always popular, but our new guilty pleasures are fudge and fresh divinity at the Sweet Shoppe.

"Cock a Doodle" quilt

This bright Cock a Doodle quilt was one of my favorites.  Not all items at the festival are Christmas-themed. Many items are made in honor of a loved one, sometimes someone treated at the children's hospital that this event benefits.

Quilt titled "The Great I Am"

My son didn't want to spend much time among the quilts, but I managed to view a few on our journey through the Expo Center space.  You could easily spend a few hours here, so we mapped out our priorities quickly.  This year we skimmed quilts, skipped wreaths, saw the gingerbread houses, and did a speedy trip through the trees.  Of course we made time for a treat.

Detail of "The Great I Am" Quilt

This quilt, titled "The Great I Am" had squares depicting different scenes from the nativity story.  I liked the colors and the tree squares, but the whimsical features of the animals are what really caught my eye.

"Let It Snow!" quilt

Who can resist snowmen?  This quilt quickly became my favorite of the festival.  Each panel features a different snowman, and we loved looking at them all.

Panel from "Let It Snow!" quilt

With a few quilts under our belts and a favorite selected, we were ready to brave the crowds around the amazing gingerbread houses.  Stay tuned for some great ideas from The Gingerbread Village at the 2012 Festival of Trees.

Festival of Trees - Art for Charity

Blown glass tree from 2008 Festival of Trees

The 2011 Festival of Trees is rapidly approaching.  If you've never been, this is a great way to kick off your Christmas season.  Every year, individuals and groups work to produce decorated Christmas trees, door wreaths, gingerbread houses, and more. Everything is sold to benefit Primary Children's Medical Center.  The Festival, now going on for 41 years, is currently housed at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.

Surfing Santa - 2009 Festival of Trees

Trees are often decorated to celebrate a loved one. Whether it marks their miraculous recovery from disease or hardship, or celebrates the memory of one who has passed on, the work put in by volunteers can best be described as a labor of love.  This "tree" featured a surfing Santa catching a wave filled with fish.  The trees are sold at auction before the event opens to the general public, but there are always a few unsold trees if you get the urge to make a purchase.  

Eric Dowdle art piece created for the Festival of Trees

As you stroll through the expo center, you have the opportunity to watch various performing groups, and to sample goodies.  In fact, the smells of those cinnamon rolls will make your mouth water.  Need decorating ideas for your home?  Check out the wreaths mounted on display doors.

Gingerbread house, 2010 Festival of Trees

The gingerbread houses range from the simple to the intricate.  This elaborate gingerbread scene from 2010 made many people pause for a second look.

There is a tree for every taste here, whether you are a sports fan or traveler, outdoors enthusiast or book lover, Star Wars fan or Twilight fan, you will probably find a tree to love.

Tree decorated with PEZ dispensers

Don't be a Grinch this Christmas!  Make your way to the South Towne Expo Center and support this wonderful community event.

Grinch Who Stole Christmas themed tree

If you go:  the Festival of Trees runs from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3, and is open from 10am to 10pm.  Proceeds benefit Primary Children's Medical Center. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 2 -11, and $4 for senior citizens.  Wednesday, November 30 is family day, and a family of six can attend the Festival of Trees for $15.  Visit the Sweet Shoppe and Gift Boutique while you are there.

South Towne Expo Center is located at 9575 South State in Sandy, Utah.