South Dakota Mines Invites Community to Celebrate the Season at Annual Parade of Trees

South Dakota Mines is welcoming the community to experience the magic of the university’s annual Parade of Trees, on display Dec. 3 – 4 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Surbeck Center Beck Ballroom.

This year’s theme, Winter Folklore, was selected from nearly 300 campus-wide votes. Runners-up included Gnome for the Holidays, Dinosaurs and Steampunk. Now visitors can explore the trees and displays inspired by myths, legends and cozy winter storytelling, all crafted by Mines student groups, departments and campus organizations.

Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite display to decide the People’s Choice Award. Additional categories, such as Best Lighting, Best Representation of Organization/Department, Best Theme Fit and Most Unique, will be selected by a judging panel. Winners will be announced after voting closes.

Past themes included Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter and Anything but a Tree.

The Parade of Trees is sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement and has become a cherished Mines holiday tradition, reflecting the creativity, humor and collaboration of the campus community.

The Parade of Trees is free and open to the public. Families, students and community members are invited to stop by, enjoy the displays, vote on their favorite and get into the holiday spirit.