Limestone’s College’s annual Christmas on Campus will usher in the Yule tide cheer on December 5, 2009. Now in its 25th year, the night of holiday festivities is a true Cherokee County tradition complete with a holiday music performance, the traditional lighting of the luminaries and the College Christmas tree, and a visit from Santa Claus. The festivities are free and open to the public.

“Christmas on Campus is an opportunity for our Limestone College neighbors, students, and families to come together in celebration of the Christmas season,” said K.C. Barnhill who heads up the program and serves as the college’s director of alumni and parent programs. “The schedule of events is always special, but this year the college will offer a variety of holiday cheer for the whole family.”

The late Les Gregory, a former employee and graduate of Limestone College, began the tradition of greeting Christmas on Campus guests with luminaries in 1985, when he lit the first candles to honor retired Limestone College professor Lucy G. Wheeler upon her passing. Since Gregory’s inception, the luminaries have grown from 200 to 10,000 candles. The Lighting of Luminaries will begin at 5 p.m. along College Drive, Rutledge Avenue, portions of South Petty, South Johnson, and Limestone Streets.

The Sounds of the Season concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Fullerton Auditorium. The concert is a unique and festive montage of choral music performed by the Limestone College and Community Choir, the Limestone Show Choir, and Men’s Ensemble.

Following the concert, the ceremonial Lighting of the College’s Christmas Tree on the front campus will occur at 7:45 p.m. and Santa Claus has promised Limestone officials he’ll drop in on the festivities at 7:55 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

The winner of the third annual Limestone Luminaries Christmas Decorating Contest will also be announced. Homes in front of which the luminaries are placed are eligible for the contest. For more information, contact Barnhill at 864.488.4606.

Limestone College is a four-year, liberal arts institution in Gaffney, SC. Established in 1845, Limestone offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, bachelor of social work, associate of arts, and associate of science degrees through traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities.