Snow may not fall on Chapman’s campus, but for the students, faculty and staff, there’s another way to signal the start of the holiday season — Winterfest!
“It’s a tradition to come to Winterfest because it’s open to the community and my entire family can come,” says Clarissa Cordova, ’20, whose mom and two siblings joined in for the festivities.
Winterfest and Doy’s Holiday Tree Lighting is an annual Chapman tradition, thanks to trustee Doy Henley, who founded the event. Every year, the Chapman community gathers in Atallah Piazza for a delightful extravaganza full of songs, yummy treats and even a visit from Santa Claus himself.
This year was no exception. With a program based on the holiday classic “The Polar Express,” the Wimberley Bluegrass Band kicked off the event at 5 p.m. surrounded by twinkling lights. Following a rousing performance of holiday hits from acapella groups and dance troupes and greetings from President Danielle Struppa and Chairman Emeritus Doy Henley, the crowd cheered as the countdown to the tree lighting began, led by the record-breaking football team.
The crowd watched with glee as a rare California snowfall arrived as if by magic. That magic was, of course, thanks to a snow machine pumping out nearly 10 tons of “snow.”
From her perch on the Alumni Tower of Beckman Hall, “Dee the Panther” sparkled with the glow of 5,000 twinkle lights. Panther Dee, named for Doy Henley’s late wife, Dee, shines brightly every Winterfest thanks to artist Bryan Tjomsland.
As students, staff and faculty alike gear up for the final push to the end of the year, Winterfest is a wonderful time to pause and greet the festive season.
“Every year, Winterfest is a fun reminder to keep going since it’s almost the end of the semester,” says Maribel Castanon, ’20. “I love the holidays because it’s when I get to spend time with friends and family.”
