Fall colors are everywhere, reminding us that the holidays are fast approaching. However, Highland Gardens is one step ahead with their plans for what they hope will be the first annual Poinsettia Festival to be held Nov. 21 and 22.

The free event will be similar to the annual Festival of Trees held in Salt Lake City, but will feature displays of poinsettias, available for purchase, as well as multiple activities intended for all ages.

Entire families are invited to attend and join in the festivities. Festival events include Granny B's cookie decorating, live local entertainment, a silent auction and a visit from Santa on Saturday. In addition, Highland Gardens will be stocked with their huge selection of artificial trees and unique ornaments, for those wishing to get started on decking the halls.

The idea for the Poinsettia Festival began when the employees at Highland Gardens began thinking of ways to give back to the community.

"At Highland Gardens we have wanted to find a way to give back to the community for some time now," said Michael Taylor, retail and marketing manager for Highland Gardens. "We have always donated things here and there to local service projects but we wanted to do something that would reach more people and make a bigger impact. We chose the Huntsman Cancer Foundation as our beneficiary because it affects so many of our customers and loved ones. Cancer affects a large amount of people and the Huntsman Foundation is leading the charge for better treatment and hopefully a cure. We live in such a great place that is full of good people who love life which makes it easy to hold a great charity event."

Sponsored by Utah Valley Magazine, the Poinsettia Festival is a one-of-a-kind for the area.

"Part of the inspiration for this event is the fact that there doesn't seem to be any kind of event like this in Utah County," Taylor said. "In Salt Lake they have been holding the Festival of Trees for some time and for those who participate in this event they have to drive the distance to get there. We wanted something closer to home."

Highland Gardens representatives are hoping the spirit of giving will draw people to the festival -- and inspire them to volunteer their time or make donations.

"It takes a few different teams to make this event happen," Taylor said. "We have one team organizing the entertainment, another working on the Kids Corner, and the last group looking for donations and advertising the event. Volunteers can pick which group they feel they would work best with. Most duties can be done from home and don't take much time."

Donations are needed in the form of decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and holiday baskets, miscellaneous items from local businesses, anonymous monetary donations for the Angel Tree located at the event and sponsorship. Examples of donations by businesses include a decorated Christmas tree from Macey's grocery store, various items from Costco and baskets full of Miracle Gro fertilizers and lawn care products from Scotts. All donated items will be placed in the silent auction and proceeds will go to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Signage will be included for each item donated. Those interested in donating can do so by visiting www.hgardens.com/Sponsors_and_Donors.html¬ and filling out the form, calling Mike at 801-404-2360 or visiting the store for more information. Highland Gardens is located at 9736 N. 4800 West in Highland.