Beaver, Utah -- a picturesque town, known for being the gateway to the Tushar Mountain Range and for having the "Best Tasting Water" in the Nation. It is the birth place of Philo T. Farnsworth and Butch Cassidy. The Cache Valley Cheese Factory has the freshest cheese curds and tastiest ice cream. The town is full of generous folks who have a strong sense of community. They are taught to work hard, play hard and to take care of their neighbors.
Something magical happened in Beaver County in 1983. It would change the county for 35 years and then some. Excitement started early in September and continued through to December. A wonderful Festival was planned that would bring the people out to celebrate, share, and bring gifts of love. There was singing, dancing, musical instruments, artwork, talent, happiness, selflessness, love and service that would infiltrate throughout all of the small cities in this small area.
It is the Beaver Christmas Festival.
It all started when Mrs. Betty Carver, a Festival of Trees Board Member, came to the little town of Beaver. She asked if the Young Women would like to share their talents to help the children at the Primary Children’s Hospital. Of course, they did. Many of the girls and family members or friends had been to the Primary Children's Hospital and had been given the help they needed.
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| 1985 Festival Leadership in Beaver |
A party was planned and the girls and leaders made ‘Gifts of Love” to be sold at the Festival of Trees at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. They were displayed at their own November party with pride. Christmas songs were sung, treats were enjoyed and a feeling of love entered their hearts. The “Gifts of Love’ were then sent to Salt Lake.
It was so much fun to give of themselves that they wanted to do it again next year. They did. It blossomed and others could see how much joy it brought into their lives. Other churches, clubs and organizations wanted to participate. Soon Young Men were making toys, the Relief Societies and even children of the area wanted to participate. Year after year, it grew as committees, businesses and individuals donated to help with the Festival.
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| Festival Committee members 1991 |
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| 1991 Beaver Festival |
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The whole community comes out to view the donations and to watch the youth sing, dance and
play instruments. |
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| Festival Leadership always drives down from Salt Lake to visit the Beaver Festival |
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| 1992 |
It became a very special tradition.
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| Wes Robinson and Vicki Hutchings have donated and decorated playhouses over the years. |
It all started at a church gym. It became necessary to move it because there were too many displays and too many people. They moved it to the National Guard building for a few years. Soon it became an even bigger festival. It was divided into two areas. A Festival on each side of the county.
The spirit of giving and Christmas fills the air. Tables of beautiful handmade items are displayed. Beautiful Christmas Trees are decorated, some in honor of loved ones who have passed away and some in honor of those who have been treated at Primary Children’s Hospital. Playhouses, Christmas artwork and displays are created. Tons of treats are served and a wonderful program full of singing and dancing and beautiful Christmas music happens. It is truly magical. And it is all sent away to the Festival of Trees! It is all done out of love for the children who need help.
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Melissa Kanell (left) has served on the Beaver Festival and been on the
Executive Board for the Festival of Trees. |
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| In honor of Austin Blackner |
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In honor of Beryl and Leonard Brown
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| Train donated by Holly Kerksiek |
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