Finals, the cold air and the sound of holiday music on the radio do not only signify the coming of winter in Statesboro, but also the coming of the annual Lighting of Sweetheart Circle.

The Lighting of Sweetheart Circle will be held today from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sweetheart Circle. The lighting is open to the public and the Homecoming King and Queen, Zac Watson and Annalee Ashley, will host the event. The event is put on by the University Programming Board.

The Lighting of Statesboro will have a snow machine to help complete the feel of the holidays.

“It rarely snows in South Georgia so it will be a great opportunity to come out and experience it firsthand,” Chatise Smith, spirit and traditions chair for the University Programming Board, said.“The snow machine will send a blanket of snow throughout Sweetheart Circle.”

Those who have been waiting to send off their Christmas list this year are in luck because the big guy in the red suit will be making a special appearance.

“Our special guest will be Santa Claus himself. Santa will be available for pictures during the lighting,” Memory Littles, activity coordinator for Student Organizations, said.

“The lighting is a good time to celebrate the holidays with your second family here in Statesboro, it’s a beautiful time to come together and relieve a little stress before finals, I look forward to seeing everyone there,” Littles said.

President Keel will kick-start the event with the official flipping of the switch. The lighting is one of many long standing traditions at GSU.

Letters for soldiers will be collected to give those overseas a little piece of home away from home along with free food and drinks being available at the event.

Smith said, “It’s always a tough time for deployed soldiers during the holidays. All they want to do is see their families. The GSU community would like to show our appreciation for our troops.”