As students prepare for final examinations next week, the University welcomed the yuletide spirit with the 2016 Holiday Spectacular.
Students and faculty, families and local community members came together Tuesday for an evening of holiday entertainment and festivities. Spanning more than seven hours, the celebration brought jubilant spirits to all who participated.
The events took place at various locations across campus, with LSU Parking and Transportation Services opening the parking garage for free event parking.
At the corner of Highland Road and Nicholson Extension, attendees could purchase a Christmas tree from the Society of American Foresters Student Chapter at LSU. The chapter sold a variety of 50 Leyland cypress trees freshly cut from the School’s Forest in Washington Parish for $7 per foot.
“I lucked up and found a petite three-foot tall tree for only $21. It is perfect for my roommate and me, who wanted something small for our apartment,” said history sophomore Stella McPhee.
Located at The Club at Union Square, LSU Press and The Southern Review hosted their annual book and journal sale from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Perfect for Christmas gift shopping, a selection of books were 20 percent off, complete with free gift wrapping upon purchase. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, coffee and a cash bar were available for shoppers as they perused books and made their selections.
Children and Tiger fans were in high spirits during the Holiday Performances, which took place at the Union Theater. Hosted by LSU Campus Life, musical, dance and spoken word performances filled the Union. However, Santa and Mike the Tiger stole the show as children in attendance lined up to take a picture with Mike and tell Santa their wish lists.
“I thought it was a great event geared specifically for the little ones. I brought my 7-year-old sister so that she could tell Santa her wish list and snap a picture with Mike and Santa,” said engineering junior Lewis Thorn.
At the African American Cultural Center, a Pre-Kwanzaa celebration simultaneously took place. Signifying the first fruits of the harvest, Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
Sponsored annually by the AACC, the Pre-Kwanzaa ceremony celebrates the traditional African values of family, community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement.
Members of the University and Greater Baton Rouge communities were encouraged to dress in traditional African garments and participate in the many aspects of Kwanzaa, including music, dance, food and storytelling.
“It was really nice to be able to have this experience and sense of community at a Predominately White Institution, where minorities can come together and enjoy and celebrate their rich culture,” said African American Studies senior Beverly Johnson.
LSU Staff Senate hosted its 27th annual Holiday on Campus event from 6-8 p.m. Open to the children of students, faculty, and staff, the event featured refreshments, arts and crafts, various door prizes, games, activities and opportunities to take a photo with Santa. Donations for Toys for Tots and the LSU Food Pantry were also accepted during this time to give to those less fortunate.
The slight drizzle was not enough to deter those from counting down to the lighting of the LSU Christmas Tree, decorated lavishly with purple and gold ornaments. Hosted by LSU Campus Life , CC’s Coffee House provided complimentary hot chocolate as event-goers watched the lavious tree light up Free Speech Plaza for all campus to admire.
“The tree is truly gorgeous. With the Christmas carols playing and the hot chocolate, it is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas,” said Lisa Clark, mother of an incoming freshman, who brought her family to experience an “LSU Christmas” for the first time.
University celebrates 27th annual Holiday Spectacular throughout campus
November 29, 2016
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