Organized and managed by students from the LWC Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management Program, the carnival included wares by local vendors, crafts and inflatables for children, musical performances by the Lindsey Wilson College band and community church groups, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Associate Professor of Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management Virginia Dilworth says the Christmas Carnival provides event planning and practical experience for senior students in the professional event management class – a required course for recreation, tourism and sports management majors.
“The students do everything,” said Dilworth. “They have to learn how to plan the logistics, raise the funds, get the vendors and make sure all the activities are arranged and staffed.”
Recreation, Tourism and Sports Management senior Kaylin Anderson from Colorado Springs, Co., who also helped plan the carnival last year, says planning an event like this takes a lot of time, work and people.
“It takes about a month to plan it. You don’t realize how much goes into it until you have to get all the little details together,” said Anderson.
Communication junior Kia Milam from Falls of Rough, Ky., who volunteered as one Santa’s helpers says the Christmas Carnival is a stress reliever for her as she heads into finals and the end of the semester.
“I look forward to the Christmas Carnival and I participate every year that I can,” said Milam. “It takes the weight off of finals week and it’s always fun to talk to the kids and see how excited they are about Christmas coming and seeing Santa.”