Tarleton State University will get a lot more cheerful, beginning with a ceremony in front of the Dick Smith Library on Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Cider, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided while students watch the tree, and the rest of campus, light up for the holidays.

“Student Government Association, the Residence Hall Association and the Tarleton Ambassadors wanted to celebrate the lighting of the campus for the holidays with an ‘official’ ceremony,” said Dr. Mike Leese, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of students. “After there was not anything special last year and the lights, in fact, were turned on several days late, the decision was made to add a campus Christmas tree, which is a Décor Cedar and which was planted early this year in front of the library. Lights have also been added on the front of the Dick Smith Library, the O.A. Grant Humanities Building and the Autry Agriculture Building. Funding for the new lighting and the Christmas tree came from gifts to the Student Life Circle.”

Immediately to follow, there will be a Holiday Collage Concert in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Prior the the lighting, Eco-Reps & Food Fanatics will host a gingerbread house contest in the Thompson Student Center, room 27, from 5-6 p.m. Teams of 5 or less may sign up for a fee of $15, and gingerbread houses will be provided. Students may sign up their teams before Thanksgiving in the agriculture building, room 201, and walk-up entries will also be welcome. For more information, contact Sarah Murray at [email protected].