Public Invited to Celebrate ‘Holly, Jolly Holiday’ on Sorority Row Sunday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — All 19 of The University of Alabama’s Panhellenic Association’s sororities, plus one National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, are coming together from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, to host the first “Holly Jolly Holiday on Sorority Row.”

In an effort to continue building relations between the University and non-UA affiliated Tuscaloosa residents, the sororities are hosting a holiday tree decoration competition and asking Tuscaloosa residents to judge which sorority did the best job. Activities will be along Colonial, Magnolia and Judy Bonner drives.

The winning sorority will receive a $500 donation to the philanthropy of its choice.

“We just like giving back to the Tuscaloosa community by providing free and interactive events for them,” said Candace Wilson, a senior psychology major, of Auburn, and director of community development and outreach for the UA Panhellenic Association.

“It’s one way to make UA and Tuscaloosa not seem so separate from each other.”

In addition to the tree decorating competition, the event will also have a free hot chocolate bar, holiday caroling, cookie decorating and holiday-themed coloring pages for kids 12 and under.

A surprise guest may also attend the event.

Wilson said UA’s Panhellenic sororities already host an Easter egg hunt and Trick or Treat on Sorority Row, but she said with Christmas being the biggest holiday – and her favorite – she wanted another annual community event.

“When I got this position I wanted to do something innovative that hasn’t been done before,” she said. “Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I came up with a holiday tree decorating competition.

“We’re really excited to have this, and, hopefully, it will be an annual thing.”