GCU community to celebrate 2nd annual Victorian Christmas

LAKEWOOD — The holiday spirit will be found at Georgian Court University's second annual Victorian Christmas Festival and Gift Boutique to be held from Dec. 4- 6 in the Casino Auditorium on campus.

As guests shop for unique gifts and crafts from more than 30 vendors and artisans at the gift boutique and craft fair, they will also enjoy the musical and artistic talents of Georgian Court University (GCU) students, faculty, staff and local community groups.

The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Two local show choirs will perform at the festival: the Lacey Township High School of Performing Arts Choir will perform on Dec. 4 at 11 a.m., and the Monsignor Donovan Show Choir: The Big Blue Singing Crew will perform on Dec. 5 at noon.

Other headline entertainers include:

• The Oceanaires Barbershop Chorus (Dec. 4 at 1 p.m.)

• The Georgian Court University Concert Band (Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.)

• The Liberty Oak Chorus, A Chapter of the Sweet Adelines (Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.)

There will be plenty to do and see for all ages, including children's activity stations and photos with Santa, run by the GCU De La Salle Education Club; and special interactive model railroad exhibitions featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, the Polar Express, and Harry Potter, presented by the Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders.

Excerpts from "Scrooge the Musical" will be presented by members of Lakewood's Strand Theater Ensemble. The GCU Dance Club will offer performances, and employees and friends of the university dressed in classic Victorian garb will spread the spirit of the season as they carol and stroll among fairgoers.

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Freeholders and is free to attendees; no reservations are required. However, donations of nonperishable food items to benefit Ocean County Hunger Relief are welcomed.

For more information about vendors or performers, contact the GCU Office of Conferences and Special Events at 732-987-2263 or specialevents@georgian.edu.

While guests are on campus they can also catch a re-enactment of a 1939 radio presentation of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol." The show is presented by St. George Productions, the creators of GCU's Biographies from The Court series, and performances are offered at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. each day from Dec. 4-6 in the Little Theatre. Tickets are $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door; reservations are required by calling 732-987-2263 or sending an email to specialevents@georgian.edu.