The voices of the Lipscomb student chorus could be heard across campus Tuesday night as the eighth annual Lighting of the Green began. Santa was tucked away in the Hall of Fame room, smiling as children and families came to take pictures and tell him their Christmas wishes. Members of the Lipscomb theatre department handed out hot chocolate and cookies to the children as they awaited the outdoor concert.
Young and old seemed to enjoy the festivities, which included shopping among the vendors, sampling holiday food and drink, and taking pictures with Santa. The Merry Marketplace began at 4 p.m. where vendors set up tables outside of the Hall of Fame room. There were Christmas decorations, clothing, jewelry, hats and, of course, Lipscomb outerwear and T-shirts.
Fringe and Lace, an online boutique for young women, was one of the popular vendors. Owner Natalie Sawyer is a Lipscomb alumna who graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s in communications.
Outside of Allen Arena, children ran around playing hide and seek among the dimly lit trees that sparkled with Christmas lights, while adults sipped hot chocolate. Hundreds of stark white wooden chairs were assembled in front of the stage just waiting to be filled for the evening concert.
Keeping with the annual tradition, Amy Grant hosted the concert which featured special musical guests including: contemporary Christian artist Ashley Cleveland; Mandisa, of American Idol fame; The Martins, a Christian music vocal trio; L’Angelus, a Cajun inspired band; Scat Springs, a classic rhythm and blues singer and the founder of the Scat Band; Michelle Swift, contemporary Christian singer; and the Lipscomb student choruses.
As the night came to a close at 7 p.m., Mary Hance, The Tennessean’s Ms. Cheap had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree.