Eventful holidays

In 1971, a volunteer at Primary Children's Hospital went to Hawaii on vacation and visited a Christmas boutique featuring small decorated Christmas trees and other festive things.

An idea was born.

There were 60 trees at the first Festival of Trees — the committee had decided to expand it to large trees, not just small ones — which was held in the gymnasium of the old Armory on Sunnyside Avenue.

This year more than 700 elegant and original trees will decorate the halls of the South Towne Expo Center, as the Festival of Trees has grown into one of the premiere holiday events in the state, says Sharon Smith, co-chairman for publicity for this year's show.

The festival not only includes trees but also wreaths, gingerbread houses, a gift boutique, sweet rolls and hot scones, a Santa Land and so much more.

But what is exciting, says Smith, is not just how the festival has grown, but what the festival means to the community. "It is all done by volunteers, so every penny that is collected goes to the charity care program at the Primary Children's Medical Center," she says. "That charity care program belongs to the community, just as the festival belongs to the community. I can't say enough about the generosity and the talent of the community that makes it all happen. It's incredible."

There's no better way to get into the spirit of the holidays, she says. You can come and get great ideas, do some shopping, feel the excitement in the air and know that you are helping a good cause. "The festival is purely for children and families, and that's what the holidays are all about."

The Festival of Trees, which runs this week, is just one of many festivals and events around the state that generate holiday spirit, community involvement and, often, funds for good causes.

In Midway, for example, what began as an exhibit of Nativity sets from around the world nine years ago has grown into a three-pronged festival in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains.

The Interfaith Creche Exhibit will this year feature 900 different creches, ranging in size from one built on the head of a match (there will be a magnifying glass) to an 800-piece Fontanini Bethlehem scene. They are pretty sure it's the largest exhibit of its kind in the state, and maybe even the country, say Bill and Nancy Pekny, co-chairmen of the Midway festival.

In addition to the displays, there are crafts for children, marionettes and live music. "It's all very high quality and wonderful," says Nancy.