On Friday, Dec. 9, Spring Arbor University (SAU) will host its eleventh annual Hanging of the Greens event. The Hanging of the Greens is an event that symbolizes the beginning of the advent season and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This event is a free gift to the community from SAU and the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church (SAFMC). Hanging of the Greens is an event for both SAU students and the community, and it is heavily attended by both parties.

The event begins with a concert at SAFMC at 7 p.m. There will be performances from SAU’s concert choir, chamber singers, string ensemble and jazz band. The performances will also include music composed and arranged by Spring Arbor University students Hannah Baker and Rico Gonzalez.

After the concert, guests are invited to participate in a candlelit walk to the Kresge Student Center to continue the festivities. Face painting, balloon animals, roasted almonds and carriage rides around campus will be available. There will also be student art on display in the Ganton Art Center from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Sarah Crane, Special Events Coordinator at SAU, said Chartwells Food Services will be providing marshmallows frozen in liquid nitrogen. These along with hot chocolate and other gourmet treats will be available as refreshments for those who attend the event.

Visitors can attend the free event when they wish. The concert at SAFMC has limited seating, so guests should arrive a decent amount of time before 7 p.m. to ensure themselves a seat.

SAU is proud to present this offering to the community in conjunction with SAFMC. It has become a well-loved event for Spring Arbor and Jackson residents. So come, enjoy and enter the holiday season with the sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays.