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SANDY — Monday was a busy day decorating for one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season: the Festival of Trees.
More than 800 trees, each with its own special meaning and story, will be on display at the South Towne Expo Center, Dec. 3 through Dec. 6.
One of those trees is a last minute entry in honor of a 4-year-old boy who won the hearts of a community and nation in his last days of battling leukemia.
“Today is decorating day, where 220,000 square feet becomes a winter wonderland,” said Marie Partridge, chairwoman for the Festival of Trees.
Amid all of the ribbon, the twine and the decorations, Monday was a day many prepare for all year long.
This year there are 800 decorated trees, gingerbread houses and more. And every beautiful creation has a story.
About a month ago, on Oct. 28, 4-year-old Ethan Van Leuven of West Jordan passed away from leukemia.
Ethan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 22 months old. After years of treatments, remissions and relapses, the Van Leuvens found out the treatments were not working.
In the week prior to his death, the community helped his family celebrate Halloween (where he was dressed as Superman), Christmas and his birthday early.
At the Festival of Trees this year, Ethan's superhero strength lives on. As a last-minute entry, family, friends and strangers quickly gathered donations for a Lego superhero tree in honor of Ethan.
"It would be something he would think is totally awesome. He would love this tree,” Ethan’s aunt Mitzi Robins said.
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 3-6
Where: South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State, Sandy
Tickets: $5 adults, $3 children ages 2-11; $15 family (valid Wednesday, Dec. 3, only and good for up to six immediate family members); $4 discount tickets available at Zions Bank and for seniors; $30 opening night auction for two adults. Call 801-662-5957.
Website: www.festivaloftreesutah.org/
And because Ethan loved the Piano Guys, there’s a second tree with donations from the group.
"The thing that has touched me the most is everyone’s generosity,” said Barbara Graf, decorator of “Ethan: The Special” tree. “It's been amazing to see how much Ethan's story touched their lives.”
Throughout the room, generosity is everywhere. With everything donated, all money raised goes to Primary Children's Hospital to treat more children like Ethan.
"I just knew there was so much healing in the process of doing a tree and letting Ethan live on through the holidays,” Graf said.
The Festival of Trees opens to an invitation-only crowd Tuesday night, and that's when the trees, wreaths and everything will be auctioned off to benefit Primary Children's Hospital.
On Wednesday the festival opens to the public and runs through Saturday.
