Campus Club, Arts Council To Host Community Christmas Celebration
(Press Release 11-21-08)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

On Tuesday, December 2nd, Eastern's Characters Club and the Latimer County Arts Council will be hosting a Community Christmas Celebration in EOSC's Mitchell Auditorium from 4-7pm. The celebration will be a come and go event open to all community residents, children, and Eastern's campus family.

The Community Celebration, which is a fundraiser for Eastern's Theatre Department to attend the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in February, will feature free entertainment by college and Wilburton students, free cookies and hot cider, provided by the Latimer County Arts Council, and free Christmas crafts for children sponsored by Characters Club.

Some of Santa's local Elves will be on hand taking pictures with the children, which can be purchased on site. There will also be a caricaturist and even a little Christmas karaoke for musical folks who want to brave the bandstand.

There will also be opportunities to purchase Christmas wreaths and gift baskets for the holidays in a silent auction, which will be on display during the festivities. Bidders will be able to browse at their leisure and put their names and bids on a card by each item that interests them, and top bidders will win the goodies. Wreaths and gift items will be made by club members and local Oklahoma crafters of all ages, and several local businesses will be donating prize items as well. Wreaths, gift baskets, and donated items will be accepted through December 1st, and a prize of $100 will be offered for the most creative entry. That contest is open to everyone. Call Director Melissa Heath-Lee on December 1st at 918-465-1758 to donate wreaths or other items. For more information or inquiries during the Thanksgiving Break, please call her home business at 918-448-8692.

Heath-Lee said, "We are so excited about this celebration. We hope it will be a really fun event like Eastern's Trunk or Treat Halloween Carnival has become - with lots of community folks on campus enjoying the activities. We hope that everyone will come out and join us, regardless of whether they're looking for a Christmas wreath or gift right now. There's something for everyone. We're trying to raise money so that our nominated students can attend regional acting competition, but we also wanted to provide a service to our community who is so supportive and just kick off the holiday season with a great time!"

For more information contact Melissa Heath-Lee (918)-465-1758 (before November 21 or in December) OR (918)-448-8692 during Thanksgiving Break (November 21-30)