With the immense support of the Bel Air community from 2022, John Carroll opened its doors again for another round of Festival of Lights on December 9 from 4 to 8 pm. This year’s event was an hour longer than last year.
A large number of people from the surrounding community showed up for the second year of the annual event. While many of the show-stopping features were the same as last year, there were some changes.
Many groups such as SGA, NHS, and dance program supported different areas of the school. The joyful volunteers from each provided insightful knowledge about their section, from advisory doors to face painting.
Belle Voce returned to the chapel to perform songs including “Mary Did You Know,” “Always,” and “Go Tell It.” They performed several times throughout the night. Additionally, carolers met guests at the main the door with holiday songs.
The Elf Workshop was located in the cafeteria. In this area, children could create different crafts along with members of The College Preparatory Dance Program. Gingerbread houses from the contest hosted by the sophomore class were also displayed near the courtyard, and visitors could vote on which one they thought was the best.
Many clubs and sports teams decorated Christmas trees that were put on display in the Learning Commons, which was transformed into Santa’s North Pole. This was also the area to view the train garden and to take a picture with Santa. The train garden was organized and designed by SGA Co-Moderator Anthony Davidson.
The students in Architecture Club created works of art to replicate “Candy Land.” Gingerbread houses and mills were made to transport visitors into a whole new world. The details, such as the stained glass windows in a house, were intricate.
Sophomore Sylvia Woosley was part of the team who designed the houses. “When I heard about the gingerbread architecture contest, my sister and I teamed up. We were inspired by the traditional architecture style of grist mills.”
The design of the house took a long time and it is very complex. “We based our model off of a grist mill, and our model was voted to be built. We put in a lot of time and effort, but I am so grateful for all the help received and how it turned out,” Sylvia said.
Two additions this year were Whoville and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen (sponsored by the JC Parent Association). NHS members painted faces in Whoville while guests could meet Mrs. Claus and participate in other activities in her kitchen.
Peer Ministry performed a Living Nativity in the courtyard. Senior Drew Kelly played the role of Joseph for the second year. “It was a blessing to serve our greater JC community in the playing of Joseph.”
The Living Nativity is a very important aspect of the Festival of Lights. “Again, it was a blessing to participate in such an important event, which is the retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth.”
Freshman Madi Harris was also a volunteer last Saturday. She said, “I didn’t really have one particular role. I was just supposed to make the kids happy.”
However, one of the biggest hits of the night was the Polar Express (sponsored by Clean Image). The Upper Gym was transformed into a wondrous spectacle of Christmas. The fully-functional train returned, and the newest addition was a giant inflatable bouncy house.
Volunteers from SGA threw soft snowballs at children (and adults) as they slid down the giant slide at the end of the obstacle course.
Madi said, “It went really well. Everyone was happy, including the teachers and volunteers. You could tell how happy the people who came were when they saw all the lights.”