Hanging of the Greens on Thursday at SUNY Fredonia

Strings of twinkling lights, live music and plenty of holiday cheer.

These attractions will share spotlight with a 20-foot evergreen tree and a half-dozen smaller trees as SUNY Fredonia welcomes the holidays with the annual “Hanging of the Greens” celebration.

Actually, all the decorations have already been hung, reports Erin Mroczka, assistant director of Campus Life. But there’s plenty left for students, faculty, staff and members of the community to enjoy on Thursday, Nov. 29, beginning at 7 p.m., at the Williams Center.

SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner will extend a warm welcome and select a youngster from the audience to turn the switch that illuminates the tree lights.

“It’s one of the oldest traditions on campus,” Ms. Mroczka, a 1997 SUNY Fredonia graduate, said of the festivities. “For so many students who are away from home, it’s kind of nice to walk into the campus living room and see some home-like decorations.”

And some new twists -- some musical, others decadently delicious.

Student ensembles, from jazz to a cappella, will perform holiday music of all traditions and the winner of “Fredonia Idol” has been invited to sing. Arts and craft stations will be arranged so guests can create their own holiday ornaments or small gifts.

New this year is “Build-A-Bear.” For a $5 donation, guests can create their own stuffed animal, using a fur-covered shell and kit that includes stuffing and an outfit that the animal can wear. Stuffed animals can be taken home or given to the campus donation drive slated for Friday, Dec. 7.

“There will be free refreshments and people can decorate their own cookies with frosting, sprinkles – whatever they like. They can decorate it and enjoy it and eat it, too,” Ms. Mroczka added.

For a $1 donation, guests will be eligible to win an iTunes gift card, DVDs or other prizes at the end of the evening. Proceeds benefit the Adams Art Gallery of Dunkirk.

“What could be more fun than cookies and live, holiday music? It’s an evening of fun and I don’t think people will be disappointed if they come out.”
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