UCCS faculty, staff and students will have choices in helping bring the holiday season to Colorado Springs during the annual Festival of Lights parade Dec. 1.
Beginning this week, work is underway to create a UCCS float for the annual parade down Tejon Street. Facilities Services will provide a truck and a driver to tow the 15-foot float but the rest is up to the campus, according to Stephen Cucchiara, assistant director of student activities, Department of Student Life and Leadership.
“There is an opportunity for everyone to get involved,” Cucchiara said. “We want to bring a little UCCS spirit to our community.”
Working with a theme of “Home for the Holidays,” Cucchiara envisions a float with a fireplace, comfy couches and a generally relaxing atmosphere that many students hope awaits them at the conclusion of finals. While the primary labor for the float will come from student groups, Cucchiara welcomed faculty and staff help in assembling the float, taking a place atop it or walking alongside it. Participants are asked to either wear UCCS-branded apparel or their favorite ugly sweater to support the “Home for the Holidays” theme.
The float is expected to leave campus by 3 p.m. Dec. 1 en route to a staging area at Tejon and Monument Streets. The parade begins at 5:50 p.m. at the corner of Tejon and St. Vrain and will proceed south on Tejon to Vermijo. To help with the float, contact Cucchiara, 255-3540, or [email protected].
In addition to the float, the UCCS Alumni and Friends Association, in cooperation with the Gallery of Contemporary Art, will provide free cocoa, cider and treats during the parade for UCCS alumni, faculty and staff at GOCA 121, 121 S. Tejon. Gifts will also be available to the first 200 people.
Those who visit GOCA 121 will be able to enjoy the exhibit ILLUMINATED by Dallas and New York-based artist Jay Shinn. Shinn explores geometric forms and configurations in his art.
Those who wish to attend the Alumni/GOCA event should confirm attendance by Nov. 27 at https://secure.www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/UCOC/event/showEventForm.jsp?form_id=138739
The parade’s grand marshall is Jerri Marr, forest supervisor for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. The Festival of Lights Parade is a benefit for the Empty Stocking Fund. For more information, or to donate, visit http://www.coloradospringsfestivaloflights.org/
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