Columbus State University’s main campus will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Tuesday, Nov. 29 for WinterFest, a new tradition that brings CSU and the community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. Admission to WinterFest is free and open to the public.

“We were delighted with last year’s turnout for WinterFest,” said CSU President Chris Markwood. “This is a great opportunity to bring everyone together for the holidays, and I am really looking forward to this year’s celebration.”

An estimated 3,500 people attended CSU’s inaugural WinterFest last year.

This year’s WinterFest attractions include:

·  Holiday performances from more than a dozen local schools and organizations

·  Campus lighting ceremony

·  Train, merry-go-round, horse-drawn carriage and fire truck rides

·  Cookie decorating and craft stations from around the world

·  Free hot chocolate and popcorn (while supplies last)

·  Photo opportunities with Santa and Elsa and Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen”

·  Story-telling and outdoor movies

University Police will be at WinterFest collecting items for Cougars for Causes, a campus-wide collection drive benefitting local charities and not-for-profit centers. Attendees can participate by donating a canned good, toy or toiletry item in a collection bin or at the University Police tent during WinterFest.

WinterFest will be celebrated on CSU’s main campus around the Thomas Y. Whitley Clock Tower.