Greensboro’s Festival of Lights and Holiday Parade have been holiday traditions for more than 30 years, and Spartans are always part of that tradition in a number of ways.
This year, during the Festival of Lights, UNCG trio 1aChord and Spartan alumnus Wally West’s community singalong were among acts performing live leading up to the tree lighting. The festival also featured a UNCG-branded photo booth, a laser show, and performances along Elm Street by the UNCG Horn Choir led by Dr. Abigail Pack, the Tuba Band led by director Justin Worley, the UNCG Chariots a cappella singers, and alumni performers including Laura Jane Vincent, Wally West and the Wassailers, the High Cotton duo of Shawn Patch and Lisa Dames, and the Gate City Railbenders.
The Greensboro Project Space on February One Place hosted an art exhibition by Bachelor of Fine Arts seniors spanning in all four of its galleries. The exhibition runs through Dec. 11. On the street outside the gallery, a UNCG Art Market sold student-made art including paintings, photography, ceramics, prints, sculptures and more. Across the street, screenings of films created this semester by New Media and Design students were projected on the wall of a large building.
The day after the Festival of Lights came the Greensboro Holiday Parade, a tradition that started more than 40 years ago. This year’s grand marshals included 1aChord, and a UNCG spirit float featuring the Spartans dance team and cheerleaders brought Spartan spirit to the streets.
Downtown Greensboro’s holiday celebration also includes its annual Tinsel Town display of 50 trees decorated by local groups, businesses or families. The month-long display runs through Dec. 27 at LeBauer Park. UNCG decorated three trees this year, themed for Athletics, Alumni, and the Light the Way campaign. The walk-through display is open daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorites. The five trees receiving the most votes will have $500 donations made in their name to the non-profit of their choice.
See photos and video from the weekend’s festivities:
Story by Jeff Mills, University Communications
Photography by Martin W. Kane and Jiyoung Park, University Communications
Videography by Grant Evan Gilliard, University Communications
