ECCC Invites Community to “Warrior Wonderland”

DECATUR, Miss. (Press Release) — East Central Community College in Decatur invites area residents to get into the Christmas spirit by attending “Warrior Wonderland” Friday, December 5, 2014, following the Decatur Christmas parade.

This special celebration of Christmas begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Cross Hall and Founders Gymnasium and will conclude at 8:30 p.m.

Several ECCC staff members have been involved in planning the inaugural event.

“I would like to recognize and thank Ms. Kristi Smith, Dr. Stacey Hollingsworth and Ms. Stephanie Stewart for their leadership in planning this new, community-wide event for East Central Community College. Planning an activity of this magnitude for the first time is difficult, and I appreciate their willingness to work together to coordinate the event on behalf of our college,” said Dr. Billy W. Stewart, ECCC president.

“I also want to thank our students. East Central is blessed with a wonderful student body. I appreciate each one of our students who will assist in sponsoring the event for our community.”

Special performances by the Wall O’ Sound Band, Ac’cents show choir, Collegians rock band, Concert Choir and other local entertainers will be held throughout the evening.
Free photos with Santa will be offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Bounce houses and carnival rides will be accessible with the purchase of a $5 armband. Food and drink vendors will also be available.

Additional activities include a hayride, live nativity scene, Christmas village display, and various specialty booths set up by campus clubs and organizations.

Dr Stewart said, “As with any college activity, we will monitor the local weather as we prepare for the event. A rain plan has been developed which would allow us to offer as many activities as possible utilizing campus facilities.”

“This event, proposed as an initiative to assist in fulfilling 2020 Vision for East Central, will provide opportunities for our students to interact with families from our local community,” Dr. Stewart said. “In addition, this special celebration will highlight the college’s role in community development and enhance the quality of community life by opening our campus to a fun, community-focused event during the Christmas season for the very first time.

“I envision this event becoming an annual activity that will attract visitors from surrounding areas to Decatur and the campus as we celebrate Christmas together as a community each year. Therefore, we welcome suggestions for improvement from those who attend this inaugural event.”

For more information, contact Kristi Smith, ECCC Director of Housing and Student Activities, at 601-635-6213 or email ksmith@eccc.edu.