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Sunday is supposed to be a day for resting, but don't tell that to volunteers working with the Festival of Trees.
Nearly 800 trees, gingerbread houses, decorative wreaths, and other Christmas-themed items are being delivered today to those who bought them.
Every year, the Festival of Trees puts on a huge fundraising event to raise money for Primary Children's Medical Center. People who attend the four-day-long event are able to buy the decorated trees and other items on display.
The trees are decorated and donated by families, businesses, churches and other community organizations. Smith says many times, the trees are made by a family to honor a loved one who is battling a disease or who has passed away. Smith says often the process of decorating a tree is healing to a family in pain. Organizers say every single penny raised goes to Primary Children's Medical Center. In 2007, $1.6 million was raised at the event.
This is the 38th straight year volunteers have put on the Festival of Trees. It was held at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, where the entire building was filled with items wall-to-wall.
Sharon Smith, who helps with the publicity for the event, says she's noticed a lot more people at this year's event. She thinks families are looking for fun, friendly things to do closer to home to save money this holiday season.
To see examples of some the trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths, and other decorations at the event, just click on our photo slideshow at the right.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
