Walking in a winter wonderland at Chapman University
Photo By Annie Lewis
Five, four, three, two, one! Trees surrounding the Attallah Piazza lit up in a golden glow while a grand Christmas tree was bedazzled in holiday colors of all kinds with a shining golden star on top. Snowflake projections also danced on the walls of Leatherby Library while college students and children alike shouted in excitement as their Chapman winter wonderland came to life.
“It is the 13th year (of Winterfest) and I've been to all of them,” said Jerry Price, dean of students and senior vice president for student affairs. “It's evolved a lot over the years, and we didn’t expect students to embrace it the way they have.”
The evening began with many musical performances. Wimberley Bluegrass Band, whose four siblings are Chapman alumni, and several of the Chapman acapella groups such as SoundCheck and ChapTones along with other musicians and bands, filled the night with memorable holiday jingles.
Chapman President Matt Parlow entered the stage at his first Winterfest, Doy Henley by his side. Parlow thanked everyone in the audience, Chapman and the Board of Trustees for their dedication to the university.
“This whole event really embodies Doy Henley,” said Parlow.
The Doy Tree Lighting is named in honor of Henley, who is a longtime Chapman Trustee, chairman and benefactor. The event honors Henley's contributions and support to the university as a whole, making his presence at the event notable.
“I am thankful for this wonderful community at Chapman University," said Parlow before the countdown for the tree lighting began.
Welcomed next to the stage was Cintya Felix, the Student Government Association (SGA) president, who spoke about the importance of being kind and showing gratitude during the holidays.
“Joy often begins with gratitude,” said Felix, emphasizing that the best gift this holiday season is being in support of one another.
Community was the overarching theme of Winterfest, evident in all the speeches and among the high attendance from both students and local families alike.
“Winterfest is a wonderful event to celebrate the holidays together as a Chapman community,” said Parlow. “As we transition from a time of giving thanks to the holiday season and family, it's fitting we have it here at Chapman.”
Then, one of the night's highlights, Chapman's very own visit from Santa Claus. During the reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” a holiday classic, Santa came into view on stage. Children clapped and yelled in excitement, waving to him as the story finished.
To conclude the night, “Let it Snow!” was performed while it began to snow at Chapman. Dancing and twirling in the bubbled snow, students and children alike were awestruck by the incredible view.
Winterfest was no doubt a magical night filled with hot cocoa, songs of reindeer and sleighs, readings from Santa and flurrying snow.