The Dixie Sun

Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Zach Vu Freshman Brody Gilstrap, an undecided major from Rigby, Idaho, assembles the finishing touches on a display. The Jubilee of Trees will be open to the public on Thursday at 10 a.m.

The theme for the 2009 Jubilee of Trees is "Lifting Off," and the amount of money raised at the festival could affect every person in southern Utah.

The 28th annual Jubilee of Trees will be held Thursday through Monday at the Dixie Center, and the theme "Lifting Off" is aimed toward raising the remaining $2.3 million needed to fully fund a Life Flight helicopter for St. George and surrounding areas.

"We have made $1.7 million so far," said Julie Gerth, director of Life Flight in southern Utah. "We hope to make up the last little bit at the Jubilee of Trees. The hospital cannot do it alone. We need support from the community."

Gerth said a total of $6.2 million is needed to cover the cost of the Life Flight helicopter, but the Dixie Regional Medical Center is required to contribute $2.3 million of that money through festivals and activities like the Jubilee of Trees.

This year's Jubilee of Trees has many activities planned for all ages to enjoy the festivities and get involved in donating or raising the funds needed for the Life Flight helicopter. Local dance groups, schools and community members are invited to participate as part of the entertainment or to simply attend the goings on of the festival.

Staff Associate Director Shelley Mendenhall, said: "We start Wednesday night with the Bar J Wranglers. They come out of Jackson Hole, Wyo., to kick off the event."

All things on display at the festival are donated by community members and local businesses. The proceeds from the festival go to obtaining the Life Flight helicopter, which will be on showcase at the event. Other displays and items for purchase include full-size Christmas trees, mini Christmas trees, holiday table settings, baked goods, wreaths, holiday décor and gingerbread houses.

The festival opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m., except Friday when it closes at 4 p.m. to prepare for that evening's special Gala dinner and silent auction that begins at 6 p.m. Each day of the festival is packed full of activities and things to see, including Monday's Festival Family Fun Night for which admission is free beginning at 6 p.m. Monday night's featured group is Diamond Talent, which will be performing on the main stage for all to see.

General admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 3 to 12 years old, and children under 2 years old are free. Saturday evening admission is $5 per person. For further information about the events visit www.jubileeoftrees.org or call The Foundation at Dixie Regional Medical Center at (435) 251-2485.

There are many volunteer options available for students and community members who want to get involved with the festival. The bulk of the festival is made possible through volunteers in the community and employees of The Foundation. Volunteer Director Kathleen Jennings said the Jubilee of Trees usually receives help from about 2,000 volunteers each year and many of these volunteers are provided by local businesses.

"[Volunteering is] nothing glamorous, but just putting in your time to make sure no one touches the trees and [other displays], she said." I let the people decide what area they want to volunteer."

Several student athletes and staff from the Dixie State College athletics department will be volunteering in the kid zone with the kids. Jennings said not only does she need volunteers during the festival, but before and after also.

She said, "We need a lot of volunteers to help tear down and have everything out of the Dixie Center by 1 p.m. on Tuesday."

Students interested in volunteering at the festival can call Jennings directly at (435) 986-0208 or (702) 203-4194.

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