Lighting rings in holiday season

The holiday season at Missouri Southern began this week. On Tuesday, MSSU's holiday festival Southern Lights made its fourth annual appearance.

The Oval was filled with holiday spirit as friends and family came out for entertainment. As holiday music was heard in the background, people were anxiously waiting in line for a picture with Santa Larry the Lion, horse-carriage rides and tables stocked with holiday crafts. The freezing temperatures didn't stop the fun; hot cider and cocoa were served as well.

Kadie Desilva, junior communications major, comes out every year for Southern Lights.

"I went on a horse ride," said Desilva. "It was pretty amazing. The atmosphere is nice with all my friends here. I love that Missouri Southern puts something on like this, so everyone can get together and have fun."

There was no denying that holiday spirit was in the air. Even the volunteers that came out to help with the fun were in high spirits. Brett Miller, director of the residence halls, has helped every year with Southern Lights, and loves being the photographer for the Santa Larry pictures.

"No matter what year it is, it's always fun to see friends and their families take pictures with the lion," Miller said.

University President Bruce Speck and the 2010 Homecoming  King and Queen also made it out for the festivities. Towards the end of the night, they helped with the lighting of the Christmas tree. The tree lighting ceremony had lights and decorations galore.

Once the activities on The Oval were over, students and faculty moved to Corley Auditorium where MSSU's Jazz Orchestra ended the night with its ‘Swingin Holiday Show.'