PRCC prepares for annual Wildcat Wonderland

(The following press release and photos were submitted from Pearl River Community College.)

POPLARVILLE, Miss. – Pearl River Community College is already decking the halls in preparation for the third annual Wildcat Wonderland. The free community celebration will be held on the Poplarville campus Nov. 21 from 5-7:30 p.m.

“Wildcat Wonderland is an opportunity for college employees and students to come together to host an evening of holiday enjoyment the community,” Vice President of Poplarville Campus and Instruction Dr. Martha Smith said. “The first year, we weren’t sure how many people would be able to join us. We estimate that about 900 people shared their time with us that evening. The second year, we estimated that about 2,000 people visited the campus. We are excited to share with an even larger audience this year. From Whoville to Reindeer Games to letters to Santa to Mickey’s Christmas, there is so much to see and do. For those who are able to stay for the evening’s Holiday Tradition’s performance, you will see the amazing talent of the students in the Fine Arts and Communications programs.”

Wildcat Wonderland promises to be a fun night for children and those young at heart alike. The festival will feature cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, ornament making in the elves’ workshop, plenty of reindeer games, face painting, a live Nativity, train rides and several interaction opportunities with holiday characters. Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends will be right next to Whoville where The Grinch is said to be visiting. Buddy the Elf is sure to be running around causing mischief while Mickey Mouse waits to give out candy canes to anyone that comes near. The PRCC museum will be open to tour giving guests the opportunity to learn about the college’s rich history. Visitors will get the chance to write their letters to Santa in Crosby Hall before heading over to the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center lobby to see the jolly man himself for any requests they would like to make in person. Parents should plan to come with cameras in hand for all the festive picture opportunities.

“Wildcat Wonderland is a family tradition that continues to grow each year by leaps and bounds,” Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication Candace Harper said. “PRCC is honored to pour into our local communities by expanding our free activities each year to support this growth. It is truly a joyous occasion that leaves everyone feeling grateful and excited about the holidays.”

With white twinkling lights cascading across courtyards and festive wreaths and red bows spotted on lamp posts and columns, the campus is set to be transformed into a southern snowscape for a night of magical delight.

Those wishing to round out the night with a magical and musical experience can attend the Fine Arts and Communications Department’s Holiday Traditions concert the same night at 7 p.m. in the Brownstone Center.

“The Fine Arts and Communications department is excited to present a concert of Holiday Traditions in conjunction with this year's Wildcat Wonderland,” Director of Brownstone Performing Arts Center Dr. Trevor Hunt said. “It's never too early to get in the holiday spirit, and an evening with the JazzCats, Pearls, The Voices, River Road, and PRCC Singers will be sure to lift spirits for the season.”

The event will follow holiday traditions throughout the year, ending with a New Year’s Day. The concert will conclude with a bang as the audience will be encouraged to continue the celebration outside the Brownstone Center for a fire works show.

Tickets for the Holiday Traditions concert are $5 and can be purchased by visiting prcc.edu/brownstone or calling 601-403-1438.

Whether strolling through Whoville, enjoying sweets in the gingerbread house, or petting a camel from the live Nativity any and all are invited to find something holly to delight in at PRCC’s Wildcat Wonderland.