UCF Lights Up the holidays

Every winter season gives way to traditions, celebrations and presentations. On Wednesday, UCF held the opening ceremonies for one of its own well noted traditions: Light Up UCF.

The opening ceremony for Light Up UCF 2011 was from 8p.m. to 2 a.m. and was the only free night for students. The first 500 students received complimentary black and gold UCF Student Government Association scarves.

Light Up UCF included a performance from professional ice skaters and a rockette style dance number from UCF's KnightMoves Dance Team complete with Santa hats.

According to Chris Pombonyo, the SGA director of campus life, this event took about a month to plan and the opening night featured one-night-only attractions that were only provided for UCF students.

Those attractions included a 10 p.m. showing of the movie "Elf," the light show, as well as the opportunity to have a picture taken in a snow globe. Also, Knightro celebrated by ice skating in a Santa suit.

Many students responded favorably to the show.

"I really liked the light show and the dancers that came out," said Cat Koski, a freshman radio/television-pending student.

There was a free hot chocolate, latte, mocha, an anything-to-make-you-feel-better-and-warmer stand courtesy of SGA exclusive to Light Up UCF's opening night.

Altogether, Light Up UCF attracted quite the crowd. An hour into the event more than 3,000 students were counted in attendance.

When asked how they were enjoying the activities, most responded favorably to the planning and execution this year.

"It makes Florida feel like it's somewhere up North," said Colton Tapoler, senior English literature major.

This year's Light Up UCF featured the regular rides and attractions like ice skating, a giant Ferris Wheel, Santa's Train, and a slide. Yet, there was a new addition with a large free fall ride called Santa's Chimney Chute that many seemed to enjoy.

"I think it's cool. I like how they went all out for it," said junior math major Reuben Haynes.

Others, however, were less pleased.

"There should be more stuff," said junior finance and accounting major Richard Roundtree in regards to the small number of available rides.

"It's not organized," said Shamara Brooks, a junior early childhood education major, concerning the wait in lines. She was not the only one who felt that particular sting.

At any given point, most students waited at least 30 minutes for the shorter lines and more thanan hour or two for the longer ones.

But in between the long waits, most students were soothed by the soulful crooning of graduate student Kate Judges who had been invited to sing and play the piano for a couple of hours during the event.

She sang many old favorites from "All I Want for Christmas is You" and "Silent Night" to "Noël" and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)."

Her performance was widely received by those walking by and waiting in lines for rides.

"She's amazing. She's great," said Reggie Paros, a senior public administration student.

In the end, Light Up UCF once again offered our Florida students an opportunity to step into a winter wonderland and experience the holidays.