Update: Due to the rain forecast, all events for the Holiday Tree Lighting have been moved inside to the Grier Student Center with exception of:
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An evening of festivities will usher in the holiday season at Lander University on Tuesday, Nov. 29 with the 2nd annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The official lighting of the tree kicks off musical performances by the University Singers, Old Main Singers, Greenwood High School Choir, Emerald High School Choir and the Lander Student Brass Ensemble. A flurry of activities includes horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, ornament decorating, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, a competition to build the best gingerbread house and a contest for those who wish to show off their tackiest holiday sweaters.
In continuing the goodwill initiatives of the university, those enjoying the festivities are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for children ages 4-12, and a non-perishable food item for the disadvantaged in the community. Collection boxes will be available at the event.
Food items support the Bearcat Essentials program, an initiative led by the Wellness Center that provides temporary assistance to Lander students in need of basic supplies. Donated toys will be delivered to Tommy Claus, led by Tommy Tumblin, longtime staff member of the university who works with organizations to pre-screen and distribute the toys to needy children in the Lakelands area during the Christmas season.
The evening concludes with the Lander Wind Ensemble's "Fa-La-La Christmas Concert," beginning at 8 p.m. in the Josephine B. Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. It is FALS-approved for students.