Tri-State University decked the halls and invited the community into its new University Center for a festive segué into the Christmas season on Sunday, Dec. 2.

The inaugural Holiday Extravaganza attracted a crowd for a variety of events, including a mini-festival of trees to be given away to families of Project Help, the Steuben County food and clothing bank. Thirty-six university departments and student organizations decorated 4 ½-foot lit Christmas trees for display in the mall area, where browsers placed votes for their favorites into boxes.

At the evening’s end, the TSU Operations Office tree received the popular vote, while creations by student groups for Habitat for Humanity and Alpha Sigma Phi tied for the favorite student entry. Each winner received a $150 check to donate in their name to Project Help, garnering $450 for families in need this Christmas. Celebrants also brought non-perishable food items and toiletries for the Office of Student Life’s Cram-the-Van food drive for Project Help.

Dave Wagner, Director of TSU North, Angola, suited up as Jolly Old Saint Nick, to the delight of over 30 children, adults, and families who lined up for pictures. In the mall area, cider, hot chocolate and cookies took the edge off a chilly wet night, while the University Brass Ensemble also warmed hearts with Christmas carols.

The first University Band since the 1920s opened the festivities with a concert of Christmas and other favorite songs, joined by the University Choir, in Fabiani Theatre. To close the evening, the Angola High School Choir delivered a concert of Christmas favorites, led by director Lynn Syler.

The large crowd joined the students for a holiday meal, consisting of holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn pudding, noodles, cranberries, and pumpkin pie, in Whitney Commons.

“We are pleased to welcome the community to our campus for our first Holiday Extravaganza,” said TSU President Dr. Earl D. Brooks II. “This event will stand as a model for future celebrations we will share with our supporters and community partners.”