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Brooke Walker reporting A Utah tradition that helps kick off the holiday season and also provides help to those in need gets underway today in Sandy.
The Festival of Trees opens at the South Towne Expo Center at 10 a.m. It's a chance to help kids in need at Primary Children's Medical Center and feel the holiday spirit at the same time.
Eight hundred trees are on display, and each one has a story.
One tree features a boy named Ryker. He was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 6 years old. He bravely underwent cancer treatment. He lit up the hospital with his great smile and energy and became one of the nurse's favorites.
He passed away in February of this year. The Draper community donated a tree in his honor.
The festival runs every day today through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Every dollar raised goes to benefit the children at Primary Children's. Last year the festival raised $7.3 million.