SAU has celebrated Hanging of the Greens since 2001.

Spring Arbor University is preparing for the ninth annual Hanging of the Greens celebration on Friday, Dec. 11. Families and friends are welcome to attend this complimentary event, which takes place on SAU’s main campus every winter.

“Hanging of the Greens is Spring Arbor University’s Christmas present to the community,” says SAU chief of staff, Damon Seacott. “It is a joy to see thousands of people coming to the Spring Arbor campus to celebrate this amazing season. What a privilege it is to offer this gift to our community.”

Festivities will begin with a Christmas concert at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The concert will feature special Christmas music provided by SAU students and community members. During the concert, kindergarten through 5th grade students are invited to participate in a special children’s program held in the church’s fellowship area, which will include a heartwarming holiday movie with fun activities. Nursery services will also be provided.

After the concert, guests are invited to the SAU plaza for fireworks and the traditional candle-lighting ceremony at 8:15 p.m. Immediately following, a community reception will be held in the Kresge Student Center, where refreshments will be provided. At the reception, Santa will be stopping by to hear Christmas wishes while children decorate cookies. Guests will also be able to embark on horse-drawn wagon rides across campus, an annual favorite at Hanging of the Greens.

Also at 8:30 p.m., the Ganton Art Gallery will be open, displaying the freshly hung semester art show. This semiannual show is the pinnacle event of the art department and displays the best student artwork of the semester.

Admission is free for all events. For more information on this celebration, contact Teresa Janson at 517.750.6348, or visit the Hanging of the Greens Web site.

Article provided by English major, senior Chuck Monahan from Hudson.