On the night of Wednesday, November 29th, hundreds gathered at Alice Lloyd College for Christmas on Caney! The event was coordinated by ALC’s Student Services and Marketing departments. Student Services Coordinator Kim Cornett wanted to bring back the feeling of the former Christmas on Caney festival that took place on campus until the early 2000s.
The night’s festivities began at 5:00 pm in Miss June’s Meadow and lasted for several hours. The event featured a hot chocolate bar and cookie decorating area for campus visitors. An ornament decorating station was also set up where guests could decorate their very own Christmas keepsake. Visitors could also take a magical, snowy trip along Purpose Road in a mule drawn carriage and have their picture taken with a very special visitor – Santa Claus himself! Several ALC students volunteered to work the event. ALC freshman Micah Turner says the event brought much joy to his heart, “I remember Christmas as a child and how wonderful it was to see pretty decorations, nativity scenes and lights. The campus decorations and Christmas music brought me a lovely feeling of nostalgia.”
At 6:00 pm, the crowd gathered at the base of the new campus chapel and bell tower for a special tree lighting ceremony. After the bells chimed, and with Christmas music playing in the background, the crowd began a countdown and ALC Dean of Students and Pippa Passes mayor, Scott Cornett, illuminated the tree to signify the beginning of the Christmas season at Alice Lloyd College. When asked about the occasion, Kim Cornett stated, “It was a fun-filled night that brought together our community. It was really magical. I am so glad we were able to put on a fun, festive event for Knott County.”
After the ceremony, the winners of numerous campus contests were announced:
Contest Winners:
People’s Choice Winners:
Gingerbread House: Tucker Wilks
Office/Door Decorating Contest: Sara Pitts
Lights Across Caney: Jessie Wilks
Campus Award Winners:
Gingerbread House: Adleigh Marshall and Micah Turner
Office Decor: Mary Turner