"My Festival Story - Playhouses" by Jennifer John

The Festival of Trees not only has hundreds of decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces, gingerbread houses and baked goods for sale, they have Playhouses.  The Playhouse Plaza features playhouses, gazebos, dollhouses, children's furniture, backyard decor and playground equipment.  These amazing and unique displays are sold on Opening Night through silent auction. If you are interested in donating a playhouse or know of someone who might be interested, please go to Festival of Trees and click on Playhouse Plaza to register.

This is the "Festival Story" of our Playhouse Plaza Chair, Jennifer John.  Jennifer and her family turned tragedy into a family tradition that has benefited needy children at Primary Children's and thousands of playhouse fans at Festival of Trees for quite a few years now.

Jennifer's story...

"16 years ago we had a stillborn daughter and shortly after her passing decided to decorate and donate a tree to the Festival of Trees in remembrance of her.  

The next year we decided, as a family, to make it a tradition to donate to Festival of Trees.  After five years of donating a tree we decided to build a playhouse.  My Dad was a school teacher and built homes in the summer so he was the man with the skills and I was the one with the ideas!  Our first playhouse was pretty simple but we raised $10,000 for the hospital.  

Jennifer and her Dad, John Sparks in 2017 

I've had a lot of fun working with my Dad building playhouses and trying to learn some of his skills.  He is 83 and still able to sink a nail in two swings!  Many of you may remember the Black Pearl a few years ago.  That was one of many creations built by "Grandpa Sparks". 
 

Jennifer and her children aboard "The Black Pearl"

This year we will be making two playhouses (a She-Shed and a Man Cave) for the Festival, bringing our playhouse donations to 12 playhouses. 

I love "hosting" in Playhouse Plaza during the week of Festival and watching the expressions on, not only children, but adult's faces too as they walk by our playhouses.  I once heard a mom tell her kids..."I wish we had a 'Grandpa Sparks!'"  I love the joy that I see in others because of the festive Christmas vibe that seems ever present at Festival of Trees.  I have witnessed many miracles in the lives of those who donate, those who buy these precious donations and those who volunteer (many behind the scenes and unnoticed).  

I remember as a young girl coming to the Festival of Trees when it was downtown at the Salt Palace.  For me, Festival is a Utah Tradition.  I love what it represents...hope, healing, giving, sacrifice and love.  After all, isn't that what the first Christmas was all about?"

You can watch a fun news clips about Jennifer and her Father HERE.   You can watch another clip with Budah & Jennifer in the Playhouses HERE.