UIW Light the Way Festival Format a Huge Success!

An attendance of over 9000 guests breaks previous records

San Antonio – The beautiful night sky provided the perfect backdrop for the illumination of the campus and a vibrant fireworks display at the University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) 2017 Light the Way Festival sponsored by H-E-B.  Over 9000 guests attended the event held Saturday, Nov. 18 on the UIW campus. The new festival atmosphere offered guests the traditional holiday show along with a Food Truck Yard, a Holiday Shoppe featuring over 30 local vendors and a Kids’ Corner where children took selfies with Santa and enjoyed a special visit from the Spurs Coyote. A highlight of the evening occurred as UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans, his wife Lisa and sons Walter and Leland flipped the switch illuminating the campus in nearly a million vibrant lights.

Special guests for the evening included Sr. Mary Henry, CCVI, director of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word’s Heritage Center, Chairman of UIW Board of Trustees Charlie Lutz and Julie Bedingfield, H-E-B., public affairs manager. The evening began with a ceremony, which was followed by performances from the UIW Cardinal Chorale, the Incarnate Word High School Madrigals, the St. Anthony Catholic High School Jazz Band and the St. Anthony Catholic School choir. The UIW Wind Ensemble provided entertainment to guests visiting the holiday Shoppe. 

Guests were also treated to complimentary cookies and over 200 gallons of hot cocoa at stations located throughout the venue provided by H-E-B and Sodexo. UIW neighbors Bird Bakery, the Do-Seum and Fun 4 Alamo Kids provided the activities enjoyed by children visiting Santa in the Kids’ Corner. The San Antonio Food Truck Association organized the Food Truck Yard.

The campus will be open for self-guided tours through January 6, 2018. For more information, visit www.lightthewaysa.com

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CONTACT: Office of Communications and Marketing, (210) 829-6001, pr@uiwtx.edu