Annual event spreads holiday cheer to visitors

The holiday season is here, and Campus Recreation is celebrating with its seventh annual Christmas at Hydaway. 

The event kicked off Thursday, Dec. 1 and continued through Saturday night. Attendees saw an array of Christmas lights and photo spots throughout the popular outdoor location. 

The event welcomed visitors to enjoy a bright holiday atmosphere despite chilly temperatures. 

A fire and hot chocolate kept visitors warm, and Christmas music played throughout the night, which added to
the holiday cheer. 

Many families attended with their young children, and Maria Campanella, the assistant director of Hydaway, said local visitors inspire Campus Recreation to put its all into this event. 

“The event does bring a lot of people from the public, and that’s why it’s such a big event to us,” Campanella said. “It helps us reach a larger group of people that goes beyond just the Liberty community.” 

The event has expanded through the years, and this year, it added a full nativity scene to capture the Christmas story as well as various activities for children. 

“Every year we try to add something new,” Campanella said. “Obviously, there’s (a) ton of trees and lights, but this year, we have a new nativity, and we’re really excited about it.”

Campanella said that she and the team start prepping for the event around September, painting signs and planning activities. As December nears, the final adjustments are made and the area is decorated with inflatables, sets and lights. 

“It was very well set-up, and there were a lot of good spots for pictures,” alumni Rachel Hadley said. “The workers were very nice, and it was overall a very good experience.”

While this event serves as the main Christmas event for Campus Recreation, there are other winter-themed events that Liberty students can attend as well. 

“We also have Reindeer Run, which is a fun trail race, and hopefully a polar plunge,” Campanella said. “Then at the beginning of next semester, we have what we call Nordic night, with a big bonfire and different games.” 

For more information about future Campus Recreation events, visit their website. 

Musser is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow him on Twitter