The program is free and open to the public, and helps kick off an array of holiday activities planned elsewhere in the community. Central is cooperating with the Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce to make the ceremony possible.
Festivities begin at the west end of the quadrangle near the science building.
Kyle Carter, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will serve as master of ceremonies, with assistance from Noel Hwande, vice president of the Student Government Association. Entertainment includes a performance by the Warrensburg High School Drum Line, under the direction of Chuck Appleton, high school band director, as well as vocal music by Central's Gentlemen of Note, directed by Michael Lancaster, associate professor of music, and the Lyrical Ladies, directed by Rob Lawrence, assistant professor of music. Tom Edmunds, senior vice president emeritus, will read this slightly altered, but humorous version, of the time-honored holiday classic. Campus festivities continue with special remarks and the lighting of the quadrangle by University President Bobby Patton. Shirley Briscoe, a staff member in University Health Services, will lead the singing of traditional holiday carols.