Activities for people of all ages are planned for “A Family Celebration” during Thanksgiving Weekend November 27-29 at Hesston College.
Events on Thanksgiving Day include a Thanksgiving Buffet from 5-6 p.m. (reservations are required). At 8 p.m., a 65-voice choir comprised of Hesston College students and community members, along with a chamber orchestra, will perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and several other short works, directed by Bradley Kauffman, music faculty member. The free concert will be presented at Hesston Mennonite Church.
Thursday’s festivities also include an exhibit of oil paintings by Joe Loganbill, Newton, Kan. The exhibit will be located in the Hesston College Gallery (Smith Center) and will be open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Meanwhile, a student art exhibit can be seen in the Student Gallery of the Friesen Center for the Visual Arts and will be open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Other Thursday activities include a 10 p.m. talent show at Hesston Mennonite Church.
Friday events begin with The Howard Hustle (named after President Howard Keim) two-mile run or walk starting at 11 a.m. Afternoon activities include mini-classes and other options for prospective students; the Pizza Hut Thanksgiving Men’s and Women’s Basketball Classics; a concert by the Hesston College Chorale, Bel Canto Singers, and Wind Ensemble; a Peace Pole dedication; a European Chorale reunion; softball practice for prospective students and team members; and campus tours.
“Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know” will highlight Friday evening (and Saturday evening) events. The 7 p.m. musical theatre revue presented by the Music Department will be held in the Studio Theater, Northlawn Room 109. Tickets are $9 for adults; $7 for students, children, and seniors.
Other Friday evening activities include a luminary walk at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains (5:30-8 p.m.), Campus Worship at 10 p.m., and an 11 p.m. gathering at Druber’s Donut Shop, Newton, Kan.
Saturday activities begin with breakfast for parents of current and prospective students (reservations required) featuring a student bluegrass group, “The Blue Road Travelers.” The men’s and women’s basketball classics will continue. Other sporting events include a men’s soccer tournament, a women’s soccer tournament, and a volleyball scrimmage involving Hesston College players and prospective students.
The holiday weekend also provides an opportunity for interested high school students and their parents to visit the campus; about 75-100 prospective students are expected. Some students will arrive on a bus originating in Kidron, Ohio.