Southern Arkansas University prepares for the 29th annual Celebration of Lights. The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 29, immediately following the Magnolia Christmas parade.
During the Celebration of Lights, multiple student organizations will light the campus for everyone to enjoy. The event, sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, begins at 6 p.m. as the parade ends in front of SAU’s Overstreet Hall. The SAU Heritage Singers will lead attendees in greetings and caroling. Holiday cookies and hot beverages will be served to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
At 6:20 p.m., a program, including ringing of hand bells, will be presented by Central Baptist Church in the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center plaza. Christmas parade winners will be announced at this time, and the ceremonial lighting of the Bell Tower will take place.
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 includes vendors and an ice skating rink in the mall, as well as a free Christmas movie “A Christmas Carol” in Foundation Hall. Show times are 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The celebration concludes with a traditional holiday meal of carved ham and turkey served with honey mustard and giblet gravy, homemade cornbread dressing and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, whole kernel corn, and green bean casserole. A tossed garden salad and fresh dinner rolls will be provided. For dessert pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and chocolate cream pie will be served.
The dinner will be served from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Grand Hall and Blue and Gold Cafeteria of the Reynolds Center. SAU students will eat for free as will children under six years old. Tickets for children age six through 12 are $3.75 and tickets for adults are $7.50 per person. Tickets may be purchased in advance at 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.
