2011 Festival of Trees - Gingerbread Houses and More

Show Stopper - Capitol Building Gingerbread House

I have seen some pretty impressive entries in the gingerbread house category at the Festival of Trees in Sandy, Utah, but this one was drawing a crowd this year!  It was beautiful, and I cannot imagine the hours and attention to detail that went into designing it and putting it together.  I did see some gingerbread house ideas for us regular folks, though. One that caught my eye was Stonehenge. I think I may be able to stack crackers in that familiar pattern!

Doggie Treat "gingerbread" house.

If you need something edible for the dog in your life, check out this gingerbread house.  Dog bones featured prominently on this structure. Two movie-themed gingerbread houses also caught my eye this year.  One was the Weasley's Burrow from the Harry Potter movie (yes, I know it is a book, but the house looked like the one in the movie!), and the other was from the Disney animated feature, Tangled.

The Weasley's Burrow

Rapunzel's tower from "Tangled"

"Tangled" house detail

The gingerbread house from the movie "Tangled" even featured a dangling Flynn Rider.  I loved little details on these projects.  Of course, if making a gingerbread house is not high on your priority list this Christmas, perhaps you would find the wreaths appealing.

A Wreath named Bob

This wreath was very beautiful, but was really memorable for its name:  Bob.  I am sure there is a great story behind it.  My other favorite wreath featured penguins.  If you haven't considered putting penguins on your door at Christmas, check this out.

Penguin wreath...mantle not included.

We also wandered through a row of beautiful quilts.  Everything on display at the Festival of Trees is for sale, and all proceeds go to benefit Primary Children's Medical Center.  The money is used to assist children who cannot afford needed medical care.  Everything you see at the Festival is donated, and involves many hours and a lot of love.  It is a great place to kick off your Christmas festivities.

Quilt at the 2011 Festival of Trees

Be aware that the 2011 Festival of Trees ends today, at 10pm.  If you aren't able to make it this year, watch for it in early December next year.

Read more about the Festival of Trees here.

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.