Mother Nature to be Featured Guest at Annual Holiday Gatherings
Nov-30-2005 
The beauty of Eastern Illinois University’s many gardens will live on this holiday season.
“Homegrown Holiday,” this year’s theme for EIU’s annual community/campus holiday parties, will feature décor made from various plant life found on the university’s grounds. Grasses and pinecones, twigs and leaves. . . Even hydrangeas and brightly colored hot peppers will be found adorning the wreaths, tree limbs and tables of the 2005 festive gatherings.
Guests are welcome to attend either of the two events, the first of which is scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, and the second from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.
Parking is available in any university lot (excluding handicapped spaces) after 5 p.m. Guests attending Thursday’s “Homegrown Holiday” gathering may park in any student/staff lot during the event.
“Homegrown Holiday” will showcase six holiday trees, five of which feature decorations made by students of Ashmore, Mark Twain, Jefferson, Carl Sandburg, Williams (Mattoon) and Lake Crest (Oakland) elementary schools.
The remaining tree – the largest – features the gifts of nature carefully cared for by Eastern’s groundskeepers over the past year.
Attendees at both gatherings will have the opportunity to feast on holiday treats and listen to holiday music.
There is no admission charge; however, a box will be available for those wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots.
EIU invites all to stop by and share in its holiday celebration.
