Just kidding. There's more...
Every year the Minnesota State Fair has a Christmas tree decorating contest. Recently I was sent photos of the 2009 and the 2011 blue ribbon winners of the decorated tree section. They both happened to be "HopeKids" themed. In case you are not familiar, HopeKids is a organization dedicated to giving hope and compassion to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. (To find out more information on HopeKids, click here.)
The decorator for both the HopeKids trees is Sherry S. (Apple Valley, MN). Her 2009 HopeKids Christmas tree was especially an accomplishment as she hand braided the garland and had the children of HopeKids send her their individual handmade ornaments.
Unfortunately, not all the HopeKids children were able to participate so Sherry had the foresight to also print out a paper chain with each link containing the name, age & illness of each HopeKids child.
Photo: 2009 Blue Ribbon Winner of Minnesota State Fair (decorated tree category)
It's not hard to see why this tree was chosen for first place. It has a wonderful crafty feel to it and the use of mostly primary colors is a wonderful choice for this subject. Below is an explanation on why it was selected as the winner in the decorated tree category.
It's not hard to see why this tree was chosen for first place. It has a wonderful crafty feel to it and the use of mostly primary colors is a wonderful choice for this subject. Below is an explanation on why it was selected as the winner in the decorated tree category.
Photo: Judges special recognition for 2009 (click on photo to enlarge).
The HopeKids Christmas tree of 2011 is a little different as it's theme is "Pictures of Hope". It still has the same idea of having each of the Minnesota HopeKids children donate a personal handmade ornament. But this time, the tree has a more uniformed look with the framed photos.
The HopeKids Christmas tree of 2011 is a little different as it's theme is "Pictures of Hope". It still has the same idea of having each of the Minnesota HopeKids children donate a personal handmade ornament. But this time, the tree has a more uniformed look with the framed photos.
Photo: 2011 Blue Ribbon Winner of Minnesota State Fair (decorated tree category).
Sherry says, "Unfortunately our Minnesota chapter has grown in the last two years to over 700 kids and families. All of them are in picture frames. Keep in mind this donated tree was only 6.5 ft tall but it was still able to hold all the photos".
Thank you to Sherry S. for your contribution and to HopeKids for spreading awareness on childhood illnesses.
All trees decorated and photographed by Sherry S. of Apple Valley, MN.
Sherry says, "Unfortunately our Minnesota chapter has grown in the last two years to over 700 kids and families. All of them are in picture frames. Keep in mind this donated tree was only 6.5 ft tall but it was still able to hold all the photos".
Thank you to Sherry S. for your contribution and to HopeKids for spreading awareness on childhood illnesses.
All trees decorated and photographed by Sherry S. of Apple Valley, MN.
