Community Holiday Open House Today at UW Gateway Center

University of Wyoming Acting President Neil Theobald will host a Community Holiday Open House today, Dec. 2, from 3:30-6 p.m. at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center for all UW employees and students, their families and members of the Laramie community.

The event will conclude with an official tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. There will be something for all ages to enjoy as UW welcomes the holiday season.

Co-hosting the event with Theobald will be Laramie Mayor Joe Shumway and representatives of the Associated Students of UW, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate.

There will be a traditional Santa Claus at the fireplace for pictures with Santa. There also will be a holiday cookie bar where guests can build their own cookies and enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate from the hot chocolate bar, as well as many other holiday treats and activities such as face painting.

For the young and young-at-heart guests who are creative, holiday games will be available. For those with a Western spirit, UW’s own team of draft horses -- Pistol and Pete -- will provide hay wagon rides around the War Memorial Stadium parking lot.

Entries in UW’s inaugural gingerbread house competition will be on display, and members of the public will be able to vote for their favorite entries.

Various UW musical ensembles will provide live entertainment throughout the evening.