Tri-State University will enter the holiday season festively with its annual TSU Holiday Extravaganza on Sunday, Dec. 2. A variety of events will take place in and around the new University Center for the enjoyment of the TSU community and the public.

Students in TSU’s Wind Ensemble and University Choir will treat listeners to holiday tunes and other types of music from 4-5 p.m. in Fabiani Theatre. The concert will showcase students in the university’s first-ever music minor program.

“This is the culminating concert for our first semester of the TSU music program,” said director Mark Kays. “The kids are thrilled with having ensembles in which to perform, and seem to really enjoy making music and having the opportunity to express themselves in that way. I enjoy working with them.”

A holiday dinner will be served in Whitney Commons from 5-6:30 p.m. at a cost of $7.75 for TSU employees, students and the community. Traditional favorites like turkey and stuffing will be served up with Bon Appétit flair.

From 6-7:30 p.m., the TSU Music Ensemble will stroll throughout the Yanka Atrium, playing Christmas music on brass instruments in an atmosphere reminiscent of downtown New York in the 1920s, Kays said.

TSU President Earl Brooks II will welcome the community to the campus, followed by the traditional tree lighting ceremony outside the University Center, from 6:30-6:45 p.m. The Angola High School Choir will then perform in Fabiani Theatre from 7-7:30 p.m. 

Throughout the day, 4 ½-foot Christmas trees decorated by members of TSU student organizations will be displayed on tables in the central mall area. After the celebration, the decorated, lit trees will be donated to clients of Project Help, the county’s food and clothing bank, to help make the holidays merry for those in need. Collection boxes for non-perishable food and gifts will also be placed around the mall to receive donations for Project Help families.

Photos with Santa will be available at no cost by the fireplace in the student lounge.