MAGNOLIA.—Prepare for the joyous upcoming holiday season by attending Southern Arkansas University’s annual Celebration of Lights on December 4. This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Celebration of Lights and will include recognition of SAU’s Centennial celebration. Multiple student organizations will light the entire campus for everyone to enjoy.
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the Magnolia Christmas Parade and continue at 6 p.m. with greetings and caroling and the RHA Celebration of Lights at Overstreet Hall. This segment of the evening will include a special lighting of 100 trees on the lawn of Overstreet Hall. Each section of trees will represent the different periods of SAU’s history including its history as the Third District Agricultural School from 1909-1925; Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1925-1951; Southern State College from 1951 to 1976 and Southern Arkansas University since 1976. Holiday cookies, hot apple cider and hot chocolate will be served to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
At 6:20 p.m., Christmas entertainment will be provided by Central Baptist Church handbell choir and Miss SAU Kristen Mosley will take place in the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center plaza. Christmas parade winners will be announced and the lighting of the Bell Tower will take place. Cheese and crackers, mixed nuts, English toffee cappuccino and hot cider will be served.
The entertaining night will continue with a special appearance from a visitor traveling all the way from the North Pole. Children are welcome to visit with Santa Claus, provide him with their Christmas wishes and have their photo made with him.
The evening concludes with a seasonal feast including pork loin and herbed rotisserie roasted chicken, wild rice and apple dressing, roasted garlic sweet potatoes, green bean almondine, fresh baked rolls, tea or coffee and assorted holiday desserts. The dinner will be served from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the Reynolds Center. Piano music will be provided by Magnolia resident Walter Hale. SAU students will eat free as will children under six years old. Tickets for children six through 12 years old are $3.75 and tickets for adults are $7 per person. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Farmers Bank and Trust, BancorpSouth, Peoples Bank and the SAU Communications Center. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the night of the event.
For more information, call (870) 235-4028
