FILE PHOTO | The Daily Mississippian
Children take holiday photos with Rebel Black Bear in the Student Union last year.
The Student Activities Association is sponsoring the sixth annual A Grand Ole Christmas event taking place inside and around the Student Union on Wednesday, December 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“Each year, we bring together the Ole Miss family to kick off the holiday season,” Chancellor Dan Jones said. “The event itself is a great opportunity for students as well as the Lafayette-Oxford-University community to enjoy a free event in a family atmosphere.”
Beginning at 6 p.m. the annual lighting of the University Christmas tree will take place at the University Circle in front of the Lyceum. This event is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, the Ole Miss Student Union, and the Student Activities Association. Special guests appearing at this year’s tree lighting will be Chancellor Dan Jones and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brandi Hephner LaBanc. The Gospel Choir and Miss University 2014 Anna Beth Higginbotham will also be performing at the event.
“Each year, as chancellor I have the responsibility of welcoming the community to the Christmas Tree Lighting,” Jones said. “Additionally, we have members of the community that look forward to this event each year.”
A Grand Ole Christmas will feature an ice skating rink where students will be able to ice skate for free on the Labyrinth outside the Union. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available, as well as pictures made with Santa and his special helpers in the Union Lobby.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. with the Ole Miss Hockey Team holding a meet and greet as well as the Gospel Choir singing on the Union Plaza. At 7:30 p.m., Miss University 2014 Anna Beth Higginbotham and Homecoming Queen Megan McBeth will be reading several Christmas stories taking place in the Student Union Lobby. Other events include Christmas karaoke and a Movie Series featuring Elf.
“Throughout the evening, attendees can participate in “Make-Your-Own” Christmas cards in the Student Union Lobby,” Nathan Darce, Coordinator of Student Activities said. “Participants will be able to create their own card and then have the option of keeping the card or having their card delivered by the Student Activities Association to the Graceland Care Center of Oxford.”
Higginbotham says she looks forward to the event because it is a great way to help those in Oxford during the holiday season.
“This event is a great way to gather students and locals of Oxford for the holidays. It is a fun opportunity for students to volunteer for the community during the Christmas season.”
-Bridget Quinn
bequinn@go.olemis.edu
