There is a new addition to a time-honored tradition at Augusta State University. This year’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting will feature a new Deodar Cedar that was planted last summer—and a new partner for the celebration that draws neighbors and friends to campus to kick off the holiday season.
“We are pleased that the Summerville Neighborhood Association has become our co-host for this annual event,” says Wes Zamzow, director of alumni relations. “The Christmas Tree Lighting is a time to meet with friends, share some good times, and create some new memories for our families—and, of course, Summerville has been a friend to ASU for as long as the institution has been here,” he adds.
The event is as popular with the Summerville neighborhood as it is with campus and our alumni, he says. “Children love to come out in the evening, sing holiday songs, have cookies, and, of course, meet Santa,” says Mr. Zamzow.
The event will begin at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, on the History Walk next to the Maxwell Theatre with music provided by the Brass Ensemble and the ASU Choir, which will lead the crowd in singing holiday songs. The lighting of the Christmas tree will be held at 6:30 p.m., after which Santa Claus will make a special appearance. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
“This is the first year for lighting the new 24-foot Deodar Cedar,” says Mr. Zamzow. “The old tree became too large to decorate, so we planted a new tree last summer. The new tree will become the official Christmas tree for ASU and the Summerville Neighborhood Association,” he adds.
ASU is also partnering with The Lydia Project—an organization that serves women diagnosed with cancer by providing handcrafted tote bags, prayer, and ongoing support—to promote the Lights for Lydia project. “About 1,000 luminaries will be lit the evening of the tree lighting, lining the main entrance and History Walk,” says Mr. Zamzow. “We hope everyone will come out to enjoy the evening and bring their cameras, so they can capture this special memory for their family.”
Nov 25, 2008
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