Ferrum kicked off the holiday season with its second annual festival of lights, featuring carols, cookies, and Santa Claus.
During the event, the Bluegrass Brass Explosion made its way across campus, stopped at buildings along the way to light the Christmas trees within, sang carols of the season, and brought students out to join the festivities.
“I was excited to be engaged with the community on campus and watch the lighting of the Christmas trees,” said Colt Oliver, senior.
Students also felt the festivities lifting their spirits and getting them into the holiday mood.
“It put me in a really festive mood, and it was nice to go ahead and get in the Christmas spirit,” said Anna Newman, sophomore.
Newman also appreciated the contribution of the music as she felt it added a bluegrass feel to the event that made it even more enjoyable.
“I think they did a really good job, and it was fun to hear them in a different way because they sounded more Appalachian,” continued Newman.
President Mirta Martin also felt the joy of the season and said she believes this to be the greatest time of year and wanted this event to help start the spread of the Christmas spirit.
“I think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s nothing more joyful then the sounds of small children as they start the journey towards Christmas. So the goal was to bring them (local elementary school) here to bring joy to the campus and also for them to have a memory that when they were Kindergartners they were part of a parade that started the Christmas season,” Martin said.
The enjoyment didn’t stop with those attending the event however, as even the platoon of carolers had fun practicing and performing during the festive march.
“It was kind of fun,” said Trent Ray, senior. “I will say there were a few of the carols, a few more classic carols that we didn’t work as much because they’re easier to learn, (and) we did have to take some time to learn those real quick but honestly for the time we had to rehearse we did really well and had a lot of fun.”
