Baylor's 'Christmas On 5th Street' Ushers In New Tradition

by Nicole L. Anderson, Student Newswriter

A new Baylor University holiday tradition began Thursday, Nov. 29, with "Christmas On 5th Street" near the Bill Daniel Student Center.
The celebration was the final event in Baylor's "The Place 2BU" program, which was designed to provide students and student organizations an opportunity for campus involvement.
In addition to the annual Kappa Omega Tau Christmas Tree Lighting, the event included the lighting of Fifth Street buildings, decorated with thousands of lights, caroling from members of Baylor choirs and a live nativity scene on Fountain Mall. A Kid's Look at Christmas, complete with pictures with Santa Claus and other "reindeer games," also was held in Marrs McLean Gym. An International Winter Celebration in the den of the student center provided an overview of Christmas traditions around the world.
Musical entertainment for the event included the Kappa Pickers, Christian recording artist Shane Barnard and country music artist Deryl Dodd. After remarks from Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr., the Kappa Omega Tau Christmas Tree was lit. Immediately after the tree lighting, Dave Dravecky, the former San Francisco Giants pitcher who lost his arm to cancer, delivered a motivational message.

"Christmas on 5th Street" was sponsored by Wardlaw Claims Service, Holt Getterman, Bailey Insurance and the Student Life Fund.