BEAUMONT, Texas — The holiday season is shining bright at Lamar University as the campus celebrated its fourth annual "Cardinal Lights" event Tuesday evening.
Students, families and faculty gathered outside the Reaud Honors College to witness the event. A tradition where thousands of lights will twinkle on buildings and in trees along Rolfe Christopher Drive.
Ashley Dawson, a first-time attendee, expressed her excitement about the event.
“It’s on a Tuesday, so it works out perfectly for us, and we just wanted to come out and feel the Christmas spirit,” Dawson said.
While it doesn't snow in Southeast Texas, the university created a winter wonderland with an ice-skating rink, photos with Santa Claus and the twinkling lights all around.
“It really is a great turnout. Year by year, more people, more things to do,” said Lamar Student Body President Ethan Ellis, who has participated in the event for the past three years. “We have a ice rink by the Welcome Center. We have Santa inside the Welcome Center. I had the privilege of speaking with him tonight and he has my Christmas list."
The night's highlight was the flipping of a giant switch, an honor given to graduate student Tiffany Goodman. For Goodman, the moment was deeply personal.
“I really felt like it would be a good opportunity to flip the switch at Lamar where I felt like this was the entity and institution that gave me the chance to flip the switch in my own life,” she said.
The community-focused event, sponsored in part by ExxonMobil with a $50,000 donation, drew smiles from attendees young and old.
“I think it’s good for the community. We need more things like this for the community to come out," Dawson said.
If you missed the event, there’s still time to experience the magic. The "Cardinal Lights" display will remain up through the end of the year, providing a festive sight for all of Southeast Texas to enjoy.