By: Rylie Newman
Student Involvement – Student Writer
As Thanksgiving came to a close, students and families alike flooded back into town to join a time-honored tradition: Auburn’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony, hosted by University Program Council (UPC) and Hillel at Auburn. On December 1st, Samford Lawn was packed as the city marked the opening of the holiday season with joy and light.
The Holiday Lighting Ceremony traditionally encourages the coming together of Auburn’s university and city. Unique to most UPC-hosted functions, the event was open not only to students, but also to residents of Auburn and visiting guests.
In conjunction with UPC, the event was hosted by Hillel, Auburn’s Jewish student organization. Together they encouraged viewers to learn more about Christmas and Hanukkah in order to celebrate each other’s differences, bring the community together and fully embrace the holiday season.
Following a full afternoon, in which the Holiday Market was bustling in downtown Auburn, UPC President Cole Wheeler and Hillel President Liana Shapiro kicked off the evening with Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.
“I’m so thankful for the people that live in Auburn and make Auburn a truly special place,” Mayor Anders said.
Following Mayor Anders, several vocal groups took the stage, including Full Auctave, East Samford School Choir, MelAUdic and Auburn University’s Choir. Other speakers included Auburn Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bruce Pearl, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Bobby Woodard, and Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts.
While attendees listened to the program, they enjoyed a hot coco bar with peppermint, marshmallows and chocolate syrup, cookies and latkes, and fun Hanukkah-inspired crafts.
Finally, with President Roberts and Auburn University’s Choir still gracing the stage, Auburn’s beloved mascot Aubie appeared, clad in a festive sweater, to lead the crowd in a countdown. At the culmination of the crowd’s rising excitement, President Roberts flipped a massive switch, lighting both the Christmas tree and a menorah in one fell swoop. Faces aglow, the crowd marveled at the towering tree, trimmed in orange and blue ribbons, lights and ornaments.
As families slowly dispersed, the tree and menorah remained lit, reminding all who see it of the joyous start to the holiday season. That night, Auburn’s community came together to truly embody the “Auburn family.” One thing is certain—it’s time to bundle up Auburn, the holidays have arrived!