Thanksgiving Weekend preview
by Emily Kauffman – Horizon Features Editor
It’s nearing that time of the year again when the campus welcomes families and old friends alike to enjoy its 48th annual Thanksgiving Weekend celebration Nov. 26 to 28.
Weekend event highlights include:
Masterworks concert 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 26
The annual Thanksgiving evening Masterworks concert will feature the Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, Chorale and Chamber Orchestra for Joseph Haydn’s “The Creation” at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 26 in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary. The 75-minute concert tells the Genesis story with featured soloists Holly Swartzendruber, soprano; Matthew Schloneger, tenor; Doyle Preheim, bass; along with an orchestra and an 85-voice chorus of students and community members. The concert is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for Hesston College students. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the Hesston College Bookstore, 620-327-8104.
Talent Show 9:45 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 26
The Bills and Normas will host the Talent Show in which students, faculty and staff will display their talents through song, skits and video at a 9:45 p.m., Nov. 26, at Hesston Mennonite Church. Admission is free.
Howard Hustle 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 27
Seasoned and casual runners and walkers can work off their Thanksgiving feasts during the 24th annual Thanksgiving two-mile run/walk: The Howard Hustle at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 27. Participants will receive long-sleeved tech shirts and a race number. Proceeds will be donated to the Hesston College Exercise Science Project. Medals will be given to overall and age group winners, and door prizes will be given to winners and participants as well. Registration information can be found online at hesston.edu/thanksgiving.
Academic Open House noon, Friday, Nov. 27
A time for us as current students to share with our families what we’ve been doing here will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Dining Hall, Bontrager Student Center. Enjoy a hot hors d’oeuvres lunch (with a chocolate waterfall!). Faculty from all academic areas and staff from Student Development, Financial Aid and Admissions will be available to answer questions.
Fall concert 2:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27
Bel Canto Singers, Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, will perform pieces from their fall repertoire in a 2:30 p.m., concert Nov. 27, in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary.
Book signing 4 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27
A book signing and readings will be held at 4 p.m., Nov. 27, in the lower level of Northlawn. Faculty members will read from their recent publications, including “My Calling to Fulfill: The Orie O. Miller Story,” a biography by John Sharp; Andre Swartely from his fiction “The Wretched Afterlife of Odetta Koop” and an essay “The Case for Mennonite Horror,” and Michele Hershberger’s theological essay from the book “Fully Engaged.”
Luminary Walk 5:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 27 & Saturday, Nov. 28
Everyone is invited to the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains’ annual luminary walk from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Nov. 27 and 28, with the theme “Tis the Season for Giving.”
Basketball schedule
The women’s basketball team will host Colby Community College at 6 p.m., Nov. 27 and the men’s basketball team will host Bethel College JV (Bethel, Kan.) at 8 p.m. Both the women’s and men’s basketball teams will host Pratt Community College on Nov. 28 at 2 and 4 p.m.
A complete weekend schedule and registration information can be found on the Hesston College website at hesston.edu/thanksgiving or by calling the Special Events office at 866-437-7866 or the Admissions Office at 800-995-2757.
