The “World’s Largest Holiday Candle” will be lit at the annual “Celebration of Lights” at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, to be held this year on Thursday, Dec. 1.
“This is one of the most popular events on campus each year,” said Mark Trout, director of Communications at SAU. “It’s certainly one of the most popular events with members of area communities.”
The Celebration of Lights will be held in conjunction with the Magnolia Christmas parade which begins at 5 p.m.
Caroling, led by the SAU choir, begins at 6 p.m. on the front steps of Overstreet Hall on the SAU campus. The carolers will be accompanied by the SAU and Magnolia High School bands.
Following the lighting of Overstreet Hall, sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, carolers will lead the way to the Reynolds Center Plaza where everyone can watch the lighting of the SAU Bell Tower, which is decorated each year to look like a giant holiday candle. The candle is “lit” for the first time each year during the Celebration of Lights. Twelve strands of lights and over 1,000 red and gold bulbs are used to decorate the 187-foot Bell Tower.
Other events at the Reynolds Center Plaza will include a hand bell performance, refreshments, and greetings from Santa.
The annual Celebration of Lights dinner will be held following the lighting of the SAU Bell Tower in the Reynolds Center from 6:15 until 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to join SAU students, faculty, and staff for this festive dinner.
For more information about the Celebration of Lights, call (870) 235-4027.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Dec. 1
5-6 p.m. Magnolia Christmas Parade
6-6:15 Overstreet Hall
Greetings and Caroling
RHA Celebration of Lights
6:15 – 6:25 Reynolds Center Plaza
Lighting of the Bell Tower
Hand bell performance
Refreshments
Greetings from Santa
6:30 – 8 Reynolds Center, Grand Hall
Buffet Dinner
