Festival of Trees for Gabe

Every year me and Gabe had a tradition. We would go to the Salt Lake City, Utah Festival of Trees. If you haven't been yet...you need to. It's at the South Towne Expo center and is filled with hundreds of Christmas trees and other fun Christmas things. There is yummy food, performances, and even a kids corner with crafts and fun games. Gabe loved all the music and yummy smells. We would always go to the craft corner and make something fun. He's made a necklace for Ryan and reindeer antlers for himself.  He even got his cute little face painted. As a yearly tradition...I carried it on after my sweet angel went to Heaven. My family decorates and donates a Christmas tree to the Festival each year in Gabe's name. We have done a Teddy Bear Picnic theme and a Gabey Crockett (instead of Davy) theme. This year we are doing a Beauty and the Beast themed tree since that was his favorite movie.

All the proceeds from the festival go to the Primary Children's Hospital. People bid on the trees and get to take them home. We buy all the stuff for the tree, decorate it, and donate it. It makes me so happy to do that for Gabe and to be able to share it with others.

If you would like to donate money to help with Gabe's tree...Ryan and I would appreciate it! It would help us, but more importantly it goes to Primary Children's Hospital. You can give me cash or write one of us a check. Here are some pictures from Gabe's tree last year.

Gabe's tree from 2010

My Mom (Gabe's Gamma) and his big sister Jessie

My Mom and I being silly. I am wearing a sweater with a jolly Christmas moose! It was a jolly good time!

Gabe's Gabey Crockett tree. It wasn't crooked. Not sure why it looks that way in this picture

We had old fashioned lanterns, pine cones, guns, teddy bears, Davy Crockett hats

This is Gabey Crockett's chair to relax in in his cabin

Jess, Ryan,  me, and our sweet Gabe's picture

We made some awesome necklaces out of colored sand

EVENT: Festival of Trees benefiting Primary Children’s Medical Center.
DATE: November 30 - December 3, 2011 (Wednesday through Saturday)
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
PLACE: South Towne Exposition Center 9575 South State Street Sandy, Utah 84070
TICKETS: At the door -- $5.00/adults; $3.00/children ages 2-11; $4.00/senior citizens.  Wednesday Family Day $15.00 (up to six immediate family members). Discount tickets available at all Zions Banks.
PURPOSE: Every penny raised goes to help children at Primary Children’s Medical Center.
HISTORY: For 41 years, the Festival of Trees has been a “Gift of Love” to children at Primary Children's Medical Center.  The Festival is organized by a volunteer board of 85 women who enlist time and talents from thousands of individuals, organizations, businesses, and families throughout Utah.  Over $29.3 million has been raised for children at Primary Children’s Medical Center through the Festival since 1971, with $1,502,080.52 raised in 2010.
Attractions
TREES: More than 700 decorated Christmas trees of every size, shape, variety and theme.
AISLE OF WREATHS: Wreaths, door decorations, and outdoor display items
SWEET SHOPPE: Fudge, divinity, pecan rolls, popcorn balls, pretzels, suckers, caramels, dipped chocolates, caramel apples and all kinds of breads
SMALL FRY: Small items priced for a child's budget.
GINGERBREAD VILLAGE: Wonderful creations from cottages to castles!
CENTERPIECES AND COLLECTIBLES: Centerpieces, table and mantel decorations, and collectibles
QUILT BLOCK: Beautiful handmade quilts displayed
FESTIVAL HOST/HOSTESS: Volunteers needed to host.
PLAYHOUSE PLAZA: Child-sized dream houses, gazebos, doll houses, and children's furniture.
HOT SCONES AND SWEET ROLLS: Piping hot scones and sweet rolls served fresh.
SANTA LAND: Santa will be available to hear each child's wish list and pose for photos.
KIDS KORNER: Face painting, bubble machine, and other fun activities for children.
ENTERTAINMENT: Singers, dancers, and instrumentalists entertain from 10:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day.
FRIENDSHIP TREE: Purchase cards as a tribute for someone special.