College kicks-off holiday season with lighting ceremony, arrival of Santa Claus
Southwest Texas Junior College will host its annual "Christmas At the College" event on Dec. 3 in Uvalde, which is free and open to the public.
Activities are set to begin at 5 p.m. However, college officials recommend that parents with kids wanting to take photos with Santa to arrive early.
Children will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus, while choirs from local schools will provide entertainment.
Choirs performing include Anthon School Choir, Flores School Choir, Knippa School Choir, Robb Elementary School Choir, Sacred Heart School Choir, St. Philips School Choir, SWTJC Mariachi, Uvalde Classical Academy Choir and Uvalde High School Mariachi.
The college will have free hot chocolate and pastries.
According to College President, Dr. Hector Gonzales, planning is well underway. "We are extremely excited about providing our community with a wonderful array of Christmas light displays, which is sure to please children of all ages," said Gonzales. "We invite the entire community to bring their children to take free pictures with Santa and enjoy some wonderful music from children in the community."
During the event, the countdown for lighting the 20-foot Christmas tree along with the arrival of Santa Claus is set to begin shortly after 6 p.m.
A short parade will follow the lighting ceremony. Participants include the college rodeo team, law enforcement academy, Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department, The Uvalde County 4H Club, Uvalde High School Band, SWTJC daycare students, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and his merry elves.
In addition, the SWTJC Uvalde Catholic Club will host its annual Las Posadas. A posada is a traditional Hispanic celebration depicting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. The posada begins in front of the Rodolfo R. & Dolores Flores Student Services Building.
Following the posada, there will be food, drinks, singing, and a piñata for the children in the Matthews Student Center Ballroom.