MUW to ‘Expand’ Columbus Wassail Fest

COLUMBUS, Miss. – As Mississippi University for Women continues to build upon its holiday traditions, it will partner with Columbus Main Street for the 10th annual Wassail Fest Friday, Dec. 6.

After participating in Wassail Fest activities in downtown Columbus, attendees are invited to continue festivities on The W’s campus from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“I asked Barbara Bigelow, Columbus Main Street director, if we could partner with them this year for Wassail Fest,” said Angela Ferraez, director of major gifts and special events. “The W and downtown used to do so many things in partnership; we thought it would be great to make this an even bigger event by extending it to The W campus.”

Wassail at The W will feature music students singing carols around campus. There also will be horse and carriage rides to tour the campus. Santa Claus will be giving candy to participants, and the Culinary Arts Institutes’ advanced baking class will display its gingerbread replica of front campus. During this time, The W’s Christmas tree will be lit. Campus dining services will provide hot chocolate and coffee, and the bookstore, now operated by Barnes & Noble, will be open.

Last year, low-tech and high-tech lights were added to campus during the holidays to create a fairyland atmosphere. For those who wish to drive through during the holidays, campus will be lit every evening from 5 p.m. to midnight until after Christmas.

The downtown Wassail Fest event will feature more than 20 merchants competing for the best wassail recipe. Also at 6 p.m., the lighting of the city Christmas tree will take place at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center.

All events are free and open to the public.