Lights On at Seminary Hall on Dec. 7

By NSU Staff Writer Laura Butler

It is almost time for Seminary Hall to light up in the colors of the season again.

(TAHLEQUAH)--Northeastern State University's annual Lights On Ceremony is Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in front of Seminary Hall. The ceremony is hosted by Tahlequah mayor Ken Purdy and NSU first lady Suzanne Betz.

Entertainment will be provided by the Tahlequah High School Show Choir, Greenwood and Cherokee elementary choirs, The River City Players and the Tahlequah Ballet Company. Children can have their picture taken with Santa upon his arrival at the close of the ceremony.

I think this is a great event because it brings the campus community and the Tahlequah community together to officially begin the Christmas season, NSU Theater instructor Robyn Pursley said. It also reminds us of the talent that is sitting right under our noses on a daily basis.

Mrs. Claus and the Elves will attend to spread the Christmas spirit. Children receive a commemorative ornament from Santa's tree and a special gift from Santa's Toy Box. Children are encouraged to personally deliver their Christmas letters to Santa's Mail Elf.

For me the best part is watching the kids when they have their picture taken with Santa, Pursley said. For many of them this may be their only opportunity to see Santa and I am glad that we can make that happen for them.

Due to the discontinuation of Polaroid instant film manufacturing, parents are asked to bring their own camera to capture a picture of their child with Santa. A limited quantity of instant pictures are available for those who without access to a camera.

The Lights On Ceremony at Seminary Hall is followed a few days later by the Tahlequah Christmas Parade of Lights.

The parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11. Schools, churches, businesses and other groups will show off their floats and compete for the Santa's Choice award. The theme of this year's parade is A Christmas in Cinema.

11/30/2009

Published: 2009-11-30 00:00:00