CTC hosts annual Lighting of the Bell Tower
By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press
Hundreds showed up to the 3rd Annual Central Texas College Foundation Lighting of the Bell Tower on Tuesday evening.
This year’s celebration started at 5 p.m. featuring the lighting of the Bell Tower at 6 p.m. followed by a ribbon cutting for the new Holiday Tree Farm.
Afterward, entertainment was provided by CCISD’s Martin Walker Elementary choir and Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary choir, along with KISD’s Willow Springs Elementary choir, and Nolan Middle School choir. They were followed by a performance by the CTC band and choir.
“It’s a community event that brings everyone out to celebrate the holidays,” said Valerie Payson, Executive Director for CTC Foundation Office. “It’s also an opportunity for us to raise funds for scholarship opportunities for our students.”
Payson said that they are already close to achieving their goal of $25,000. Those who want to donate can do so using a link on the Central Texas College Foundation website.
Payson said all of the holiday displays at the event were created and constructed by the schools’ facilities.
“They’re awesome. They’re pretty amazing,” said Payson. She said her favorites were the gingerbread house and the flamingo. “It’s always good to see the new ones that they build each year.”
Dozens counted down to the symbolic lighting of the holiday decorations before gathering in the center of the campus to check out the new Christmas decorations, the Holiday Tree Farm, and various holiday-themed entertainment.
Aside from watching the elementary school choirs perform, visiting with Santa was a high priority for many. Several families lined up so their kids could greet Santa Claus so he could hear their wish lists.
Shelly Medina brought her children to visit with Santa. Her youngest son, Benjamin Medina (5) asked Santa for “an airplane jet”.
Medina’s daughter, Braleigh Medina (10) said her favorite thing at the event was the snow machine.
“I like the holiday scenery, and all the joy,” said Medina’s oldest son, Bryson Medina (15).
Medina said that they really appreciated the fact that CTC holds the Christmas celebration for free for the community. This was their second year attending the event.
Those who couldn’t chat with Santa could write up their wish lists to be sent to Santa. Alternatively, kids could get a picture with the Grinch or visit Mrs. Claus who read books to the children inside the CTC library where the kids could also make Christmas-themed crafts.
A few organizations offered free food and hot chocolate. HEB offered cookies and Taco Casa gave away nachos. In addition to the free goodies, there were several vendors at the event, many selling holiday-themed items.
Many families attended the event to check out their children’s trees at the Holiday Tree Farm. Each tree in the display was decorated with artwork from students in Copperas Cove and Killeen ISD elementary schools. Payson said that each tree has a sponsor, and the money raised through the trees goes towards their College for Kids program.
Ruben Ulysses Gomez (10) brought his family to check out the decorations made by his 4th grade class at Pershing Park Elementary School. However, Gomez said that his favorite part of the event was spending time in the CTC library chatting with his best friend and participating in the library activities.
“What I mostly like is the decorations all around,” said Gomez about Christmas who added that his favorite part is “spending time with family.”
Gomez’s father, Ruben Gomez, said that this was their family’s second year attending the Bell Tower Lighting and said that it is a good family-friendly activity.
CTC’s holiday displays will be up until January 2 so area residents can drop by throughout the holiday season to walk through and check out the festive decorations.