Festival of the Trees . . .

Due to Amy's efforts and desire to do a tree for the 'Festival of the Trees'- it finally came to pass! After a year of preparations, planning, etc. her goal was accomplished. We even managed to keep it a total surprise to my mom. The last several months Amy, Val, myself and help from others in the family - on December 1st we were up bright and early arriving at the South Towne Expo (by around 7 a.m.) to begin the task of setting up and decorating the tree. It was a great experience. For those of you who don't know what the 'Festival of the Trees' is all about - let me explain. All the preceeds from this festival goes to the Primary Children's Hospital. The Expo center has rows and rows of trees (big ones and small ones and minature ones). The trees can be in memory of a friend, loved one. The trees are decorated to usually a specific theme. There are gingerbread houses, wreaths, workshops, visiting Santa, two stages with performances of singing and dancing going on at both ends of the center. There are craft and candy shops. and an area for children to do projects. The day after the displays are all set-up and ready, the first night is open to invited guests, and those interested in buying a tree, wreath, etc. Tickets can be purchased for $30.00 per two people. The first night is for the ceremony for the 'lighting of the trees' and for the trees and other displays to be auctioned off. As I said before all the proceeds goes to the Primary Children's Hospital. The next four days (Wednesday through Saturday) the festival is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is absolutely amazing. Definitely worth the experience and possibly an annual tradition to visit the 'Festival of the Trees' for such a worthy cause. Once again, thank you to all those that helped make this rewarding experience possible. Thanks for your support!! It was such a fun way to start off the Christmas season . . . enjoy the pics . . . they don't quite do it justice, but it does give you and ideas of how it looked. Merry Christmas one and all!!