West Virginia University is extending its holiday tradition of lighting up Woodburn Hall to include the entire Woodburn circle.

The 23rd annual lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m.

Because of restoration occurring on historic Woodburn Hall, the hall itself must remain unlit this year. But, in keeping with tradition, Chitwood and Martin halls will be lit with electronically-powered candles.

Several student performers will provide live musical entertainment. New this year, a special theatrical light and music show will be performed by the technical theatre students in WVU’s Division of Theatre and Dance.

“The light show should be very impressive, and will be a nice grand finale to this special holiday tradition,” said Gretchen Hoover, senior special events coordinator for University Events.

First Lady Beth Clements and family will be at the light-up ceremony to help kick off the holiday season. A family from the WVU Children’s Hospital has also been invited to help turn on the lights, which will remain on until Jan. 18.

The University intends to continue the tradition of lighting the entire circle in the future.

“We are not abandoning a favorite WVU tradition, we are expanding it,” said Stephanie Ballard Conrad, director of University Events. University Events is planning the ceremony, in partnership with the Division of Facilities Management.

Following the ceremony, a reception – complete with a visit from Santa Claus – will be held in the Vandalia Lounge of the Mountainlair. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided.

The event is open to the public.

-WVU-

cd/11/05/10

CONTACT: Gretchen Hoover, University Events
304-293-8029, Gretchen.Hoover@mail.wvu.edu

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