SUNY Oneonta Students Help Light Up City for the Holidays

Thirty-five SUNY Oneonta students recently volunteered their time and efforts to help prepare a holiday initiative that will bring joy and light to the city of Oneonta and its residents this season.

On a chilly mid-November morning, the students gathered downtown in Neahwa Park to hang lights and decorations and help set up for the Oneonta Festival of Lights, a free annual drive-through holiday lights display that will kick off Dec. 18.

Students worked from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and, despite the cold, were joyful and enthusiastic. Their attention to detail, artistic eye, willingness to help, and especially height were greatly appreciated!

The students, who were recruited by the college's Center for Social Responsibility and Community, included members of the softball team and several Greek organizations.

This is the third annual Oneonta Festival of Lights, sponsored by First Night Oneonta and Five Star Subaru. More than 30 local organizations and businesses take part and create individual light displays, including the college.

The event, which runs until Jan. 1, is dedicated to the late John Hayen, the college's assistant men's soccer coach, who was known for his elaborate holiday light displays.