As families, community members and college students gathered around Augusta University’s Maxwell Theater, the tree lighting ceremony began with a festive performance of holiday songs from the Music Department’s student choir.
To celebrate a tradition 20 years in the making, Santa, Mrs. Claus, a handful of Disney princesses and Spiderman were all in attendance so parents and students could capture some digital holiday memories.
While children were entranced and filled with giggles, parents smiled at the sight of them enjoying the fake snow, crafts and games.
Dee Mallory, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association, said students should enjoy time with their families and pause to consider what the holidays mean to each going into the new year.
“Spend some time in solitude and really think about who we are and who we want to be for the next year,” said Mallory. “I just want to tell all students in the community to think about all of our values and continue to push forward. New year – new you.”
The university’s Jaguar mascot, Augustus, also strolled the campus in his holiday sweater and took photos with children, as students and adults made their way to local food trucks for delicious food and piping hot chocolate.
The event is a partnership with the Summerville Neighborhood Association. AU President Brooks Keel said he always looks forward to the grand ceremony because he believes it to be a “great” way to thank the Summerville community.
“I say many, many times that Augusta University will never be what it needs to be, can be and should be without the support of the city of Augusta,” he said. “And likewise, I believe that our community, our city, our town and our area can not be what it needs to be without having a great university. It’s just a great way for us to tell the community that we appreciate all they do.”
Following Keel’s brief speech, he, his wife and Augustus flipped the official lever to turn on the tree’s lights for the Christmas season.
Afterwards, families roamed the lawns and enjoyed different activities — such as writing a letter to Santa or jumping on the inflatable bouncy house.
With AU cheerleaders and Mr. and Ms. Augusta University present, school spirit was proudly displayed by attendees and participants at the traditional gathering.
“My personal favorite part is lighting the tree, because it gets the kids excited to see Santa,” he said. “You can see the huge line already.”
For the Rice family, a 1-year-old daughter named Betty Rice prepared for her first Christmas with Santa photos and a stroll in mom’s arms.
“Just to be part of the community here with AU and the city of Augusta,” said parent and AU Director of Undergraduate Admissions Nathan Rice. “I think the holidays are such an important time to connect with each other; the world moves so fast, so it’s great to come together as a community and celebrate the holidays.”
Grandpa of 5-year-old Annie Mooney, Steve Krier, said he loved witnessing the thrilled expressions on his granddaughter’s face from the various event stations, because it brought him personal joy to see her happiness swell during the giving season.
“Things like this just bring people together,” he said.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
